'Stevie's the best I've faced'

Ahead of each Anfield clash, the 'Just Can't Get Enough' feature conducted a quirky interview with a member of the first-team squad in which the questions ranged from football-related issues to dressing room banter and life off the pitch.

For the last week, Liverpoolfc.com has been publishing one of these interviews each day and we continue the series with Lucas Leiva, who explains why Steven Gerrard is the best player he's faced, reveals which of his teammates would make a good DJ, and tells us why he thinks Glen Johnson would be good on Strictly Come Dancing.

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Can you remember your professional debut?

It was for Gremio against a team called Santo Andre. I cannot remember the exact date but I know the sixth anniversary of it was last year. It was really nice because I was only 18 and I had my debut in the club's home stadium. I came on as a substitute for the final 20 minutes. It is a game I will always remember because it was the start of everything that has happened in the past six years for me.

How about your first game for Liverpool?

Yes, that was against Toulouse in the Champions League. I remember we won 4-0 and again I came on as a substitute. It was also very special for me as it was my first game in European club competition and it was a new club with big players. I remember looking at the players alongside me and being excited at being able to have a chance to play. It was a dream come true in my head and I am delighted that I am still here and a part of this club.

If the squad had a keepie-uppie competition in training, who would win?

(After considered thought): We don't usually have this sort of competition but I think it may be Maxi. He has very good feet and touch and very good skills, so I think he would be one of the favourites.

If there was an injury crisis with the goalkeepers and strikers and the manager said he was having to play you elsewhere, would you prefer to deputise in goal or up front?

Up front, definitely. I don't think goalkeeper would be a good position for me! With a goalkeeper I think you need to be a specialist, so I would have to play up front.

Do you have a regular pre-match diet?

Yes. If the game is very early, I normally have toast and marmalade. If the game is later, I have brown pasta and salmon. I find that works very well for me.

Do you have a regular pre-match routine?

I don't have superstitions or anything like that. I just try to rest well the day before. Normally I don't go out for anything, I just go home and try to rest and be ready for the next day.

Who is the loudest in the dressing room before the game?

Pepe is in charge of putting the iPod on before the match, so we have a loud dressing room before the game anyway with good music. I just stay quiet and try to concentrate on the game. Of course, the music can help you feel a bit more pumped up. Not everybody is the same. Some players like to have a massage beforehand while others don't like that. You just have to do what makes you feel best.

Is Pepe a good custodian of that iPod?

Yes. He has a good mix of English and Spanish music. Everybody likes it and there is something for everyone. I think we have seen a few of the English players starting to like some of the Spanish music too which is good!

Who would you select to represent the team in Strictly Come Dancing?

Let's see. In Brazil at Carnival time, we watch and enjoy some really good dancers but I don't think we would have too many candidates! Maybe Glen Johnson. I haven't really seen him dance properly but he may have some swing and some rhythm.

If you had to swap jobs with someone for a day, what would you like to do?

I really like my brother's job. He works on a farm in Brazil and when I go back for holidays, I always try to help him. He has lots of sheep, cows and bulls. I really enjoy helping, so I think I would try that.

Do you have any hobbies away from football?

When I have a chance to rest, I like to spend it with my family. I play cards and go shopping - just normal things that everyone likes to do.

How are you finding fatherhood?

We are doing quite well at the moment. My son is growing very fast and we are really happy with the life that he has here in Liverpool. Hopefully he will keep growing and I'm sure that soon he will be running around Melwood playing football with me.

Are you a good cook?

Not really. I just cook normal things but to be honest it's not something I particularly enjoy.

The best away ground that you have ever played at?

I really like to play against Arsenal and so I would choose the Emirates because it is a very good venue. I think the stadium is fantastic and the pitch is always very good too.

What is the best goal you have ever scored?

There are not too many to choose from, eh?! In my senior career, I think maybe the best I've scored was against Steaua Bucharest. I think that was a good strike. I hit the ball very well. My first goal for Liverpool against Havant was nice as well. And for Gremio I scored against Ponte Preta in the Brazilian League which was also a nice one. But maybe the one against Steaua was the best.

Who is the best midfielder you have played against?

This is tough as I have to be fair. (Thinks for a while). This is really difficult! If it was in training, I would say Stevie. Outside of the club I would have to say Ronaldinho is the best I have seen, although I have never played against him.

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