Rodgers: Lucas is brilliant
If Lucas Leiva was struggling to regain his confidence following an injury which stole seven months of his career, he cannot be now after a very public endorsement from manager Brendan Rodgers.
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The pair faced reporters together in the Rogers Centre stadium on Friday ahead of Liverpool's first game during their North America tour against MLS side Toronto FC.
When Rodgers was asked about Lucas's qualities, he put an arm on the Brazilian's shoulder and declared that he would build a team around him.
"He is the ultimate professional," said the boss. "He is going to be a brilliant player for me in my career here at Liverpool and I'm looking forward to seeing him back fully fit."
The 25-year-old could make his first appearance since sustaining an cruciate ligament injury in November on Saturday as Liverpool begin their pre-season proper.
His return to action has come two months ahead of schedule.
Rodgers added: "I have only been at the club a short period of time, and when I first arrived, everyone told me about how special he was as a player and a character, and he's even better when you meet him in real life and see how hard he works.
"The injury he's had is normally nine months before you get back at all, so he's back two months early. You only do that through one thing: sheer determination and hard work.
"I know that every day of his life he is fighting hard to get back, and as I said, he's not only a top footballer but a top guy as well."
Lucas almost looked embarrassed by the praise that came his way and admitted that as well as working to repair himself physically following the injury, he was also attempting to regain his mental strength.
"It's been a long seven or eight months for me but I'm feeling well and better every single day, and getting my confidence back," he said.
"I'm looking forward to coming back and wearing the Liverpool shirt again, that's something I've missed.
"At the beginning, the time of the recovery was nine months, but luckily I've come back a bit early thanks to the physios and doctors I've worked with.
"I had a target in my head, I wanted to be available for pre-season and thankfully I am available now. It's much better every day.
"I am not worried, I think I'll get to the level I was before but I cannot rush myself. I was playing well and enjoying it a lot but injuries come and go, I just have to be patient."