Lucas: Vital the Reds continue to improve
Lucas Leiva insists he is relishing his recent return to the Liverpool line-up - and the Brazilian has outlined his intentions to maintain a midfield role in Brendan Rodgers' starting XI.
Having been used only sporadically earlier in the 2014-15 campaign, Lucas was brought back into the side for the Champions League clash against Ludogorets Razgrad in Sofia on November 26.
Since then, he has been an almost constant feature in the line-up, securing a starting berth in seven out of the Reds' eight most recent fixtures.
Liverpool have lost just once in that timeframe - away to Manchester United earlier this month in the one encounter Lucas has missed since being reintroduced to the team.
"I think for us, the aim is to improve our record and be higher up the table," the midfielder told Premier League Productions. "That's what everyone here wants.
"From a personal point of view, I just want to play games week-in, week-out. I've been pleased with the way that I came back into the team and played.
"It's just important to keep that going now and hopefully have a 2015 with plenty of positives."
Lucas will be eager to feature for the Reds when they make their first trip to Turf Moor since 2010 this afternoon, seeking three points against Sean Dyche's Burnley in the 3pm kick-off.
The 27-year-old is expecting a tough test against the team who were promoted to the Barclays Premier League at the end of last season and who currently occupy 18th place in the standings.
"We really need the points to improve our points total in the table," said Lucas. "It's been a long time since we've played Burnley. I remember the game when they were relegated [in 2010] and we beat them 4-0.
"It's always hard. The Premier League is becoming harder and harder. There are no easy games and you have to really play well to win matches. I think if we play the way we have played in the last couple of games, we will have a chance."
He added: "If you watch the games against the bottom teams, it's always tough and it's always hard. The game is really tight and you really have to battle. You have to challenge and I think that's why people like the Premier League.
"There's always good games to watch. We just need the points because we want to improve and get higher up the table and hopefully that will come against Burnley."