Lucas: I've been watching Xabi
Lucas Leiva today revealed how former Red Xabi Alonso has been an inspiration during his transformation into a defensive midfielder.
The 24-year-old was described as a 'box to box' player by Rafael Benitez upon his arrival on Merseyside in 2007.
Since then Lucas has become a Liverpool and Brazil regular by playing a holding position in front of the defence - a role he has perfected by studying players like Alonso.
"I've changed in all ways," the former Gremio man told Liverpoolfc.tv when asked how his game had evolved.
"Everyone knows I used to play further forward on the pitch and I had to adapt to a new style of game, a new pace, more physical. I think I've adapted well and I'm really enjoying my role in the team.
"Sergio Busquets is a player who is really good. Of course he has players around him who always help him and always make the simple pass. People can see how good he is.
"Xabi Alonso is a player I always watch and try to learn from. I had a few years with him here and I could see how good he was. Xabi would be my choice at the moment."
Lucas's calibration into a holding player has earned him numerous accolades in recent years, including LFC Player of the Season in 2010-11.
Another award came his way this week after he was named North-West Player of the Year, but while the Brazilian is happy with his form, there are still elements he would like to add to his game.
"I am really happy to be voted," he said. "I'm sure all the Liverpool fans worked really hard to make sure I won the award. They are always behind me and supporting me, and I'll try to repay them with performances on the pitch.
"I'd love to score more goals. That would be a good thing to improve. My role means I'm not able to be closer to the other goal but I'm looking to improve.
"I'm doing work in training. It's a question of position and the right time to take the risk to go forward. I am always thinking about the team so sometimes I don't take the risk because I'm worried what will happen if we lose the ball.
"I just need to work on it and choose the best time to go."
Lucas returned to Melwood a day ahead of our other international stars having played in both of Brazil's friendly wins in the Middle-East.
He has some interesting insights on the similarities between playing for club and country.
"With Liverpool, of course the expectation is always really high," he said. "Everyone expects Liverpool to be fighting for titles and winning big matches. For Brazil it's no different.
"We felt more pressure after the defeat in the Copa America, but the team is improving and I'm confident that both Liverpool and Brazil will have a successful season."
Another player excelling on the international stage at the moment is Luis Suarez, who scooped Player of the Tournament after helping Uruguay win the Copa America this summer, and who was this month shortlisted for the Ballon d'Or.
His four goals against Chile last week even prompted someone to start a Facebook group called 'Luis Suarez the new Lionel Messi'.
Asked about this comparison, Lucas said: "I was watching the Uruguay game and I was really happy for him - it's an amazing achievement.
"Messi has been playing and scoring many goals for many years. Of course Luis had a successful career at Ajax and now for Liverpool.
"They are different players - Luis has his power and he can create a lot of goals for himself. Messi with a lot of ability and pace is someone who is unstoppable. It's very hard to compare, just like comparing Ronaldo to Messi - they are different players.
"But at the moment, Luis and Messi are two of the best players in the world.
"It's the same question with Messi and Ronaldo - how do you stop them? You just have to try and most of the time it's not possible. Luis is a player who you don't know what he's going to do, which makes it even more difficult. Even in training it's really hard to play against him."
