He's not clever enough to play for Rafa and still influence the game. Either put him up front where he has less tactical responsibility or get rid. Benayoun not starting instead is a bit of a joke.
Sorry to say, but so would I. First game or not, Lucas is no substitite for Alonso. He's just not dominant enough, and alongside another defensive midfielder we need someone who will get on the ball.
Plenty of huff and puff but a glaring lack of quality and pattern to our play. Why good players panic in posession and concede it so easily is beyond me.