And he won’t cost a penny!

Barclays Premier League: Fulham vs Liverpool APR 04

LIVERPOOL midfielder Lucas believes he can ease the impact of Xabi Alonso’s departure and finally show that he can cut it in England.
The Brazilian is likely to be handed the chance to impress at Anfield that he has always craved, with Alonso having left for Real Madrid and new signing Alberto Aquilani sidelined for two months.
Manager Rafa Benitez’s faith in Lucas, 22, has yet to be justified and sections of the Liverpool crowd turned on the youngster last season.
But he has impressed in pre-season and the player is acutely aware he must seize the opportunity to prove himself as he begins his third season on Merseyside.
“I feel as though I’m at the same level of strength and fitness as everyone else in the squad,” he said. “Now I can start to mature in the Premier League.
“I’m looking to play more games now that Xabi has gone. The competition between the players in central midfield is really fierce and even Stevie [Gerrard] can drop back into that position.
“I know I’m going to have to play well and work hard, that’s the only way I will be in the team. “I’m pleased with my own form. Last season I played some games and this season I want to play more. I’m doing extra work on the weights and that’s helping me a lot. I’m just trying to be focused on the season.” (Daily Express)

Now I know in the past I have had some not so nice things to say about the Brazilian but I am pleased by this recent comments and even his recent performances and am hoping that the youngster does prove any of his doubters, me included, horribly wrong.

I think everyone would agree that so far he has not been very impressive when in a Liverpool shirt. His penchant for poor placed passes and dipping in and out of games has made him the subject of some ridicule both from supporters of the club and indeed opposition fans. Much like Ryan Babel, Lucas has to step up this season and with Xabi out he will get a chance of a run in the first team and he simply must take that chance with both hands, because he may not get another one.

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