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.†Lucas also distanced himself from quotes claiming he would be interested in a move back to Brazil with Corinthians.
“I have been hearing these stories about me, and I don’t know where they are coming from,†he said.
“Rafa has told me I am in his plans for the season. He has told me that I’ve been working hard in pre-season and that this is my opportunity. I’m just looking to stay at Liverpool, be focused on playing games and helping the team to win silverware.â€
Martin Skrtel proved his fitness for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Tottenham in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Oldham yesterday.
Slovakian defender Skrtel damaged his hamstring on Liverpool’s tour of the Far East but played in the 2-0 win.
Jamie Carragher is also expected to recover from an ankle problem to ease Benitez’s defensive concerns before the trip to White Hart Lane
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.†Lucas also distanced himself from quotes claiming he would be interested in a move back to Brazil with Corinthians.
“I have been hearing these stories about me, and I don’t know where they are coming from,†he said.
“Rafa has told me I am in his plans for the season. He has told me that I’ve been working hard in pre-season and that this is my opportunity. I’m just looking to stay at Liverpool, be focused on playing games and helping the team to win silverware.â€
Martin Skrtel proved his fitness for Sunday’s Premier League opener against Tottenham in a behind-closed-doors friendly with Oldham yesterday.
Slovakian defender Skrtel damaged his hamstring on Liverpool’s tour of the Far East but played in the 2-0 win.
Jamie Carragher is also expected to recover from an ankle problem to ease Benitez’s defensive concerns before the trip to White Hart Lane
