GOALSCORER OUT TO PROVE HIMSELF
Lucas Leiva is determined to carry his excellent summer form into the new Barclays Premier League campaign.
The 22-year-old midfielder capped another shining display with a goal in Liverpool's 2-1 defeat to Atletico Madrid at Anfield on Saturday, leading Rafa Benitez to hail him as the Reds' star of pre-season.
Lucas admits he is satisfied with his recent performance levels - not that he's ready to rest on his laurels.
"Of course I was happy to score against Atletico, although I would rather the team have won the game instead of me getting the goal," the Brazilian told Liverpoolfc.tv.
"But it was good for me to start and end the pre-season well.
"Sometimes I hear things said about me, but to be honest I don't care too much. I only care about the team and the squad.
"Now I have to focus on the forthcoming season and continue to work hard and improve.
"I will try to prove I have the quality to be in the team and hopefully help Liverpool win the title."
First-half goals from Kun Aguero and Diego Forlan condemned Benitez's side to their third defeat of pre-season.
However, while acknowledging there is room for improvement, Lucas is confident Liverpool will be raring to go when they kick-off the new season against Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane next weekend.
"We still have to improve a lot, but we can feel our fitness is getting better," he said.
"Now, some players will go to play internationals, while the others will keep training at Melwood, but we will be ready for the beginning of the season.
"We will be looking to win at Tottenham. We know the first game is very important and we have to start the season well because our title rivals will not make it easy for us."