'Stevie's among best I've played with'
Lucas Leiva has revealed Steven Gerrard will go down alongside heavyweights such as Ronaldinho, Kaka and Luis Suarez as one of the best players he has ever worked with.
As a Brazil international and Reds stalwart, Lucas has featured in the same team as a number of legendary figures down the years.
But he insists Gerrard is an equal to any of the illustrious names he has played with.
"I think he's definitely one of the best players I've ever played with," he said.
"I had the chance to play with a lot of good players but him, of course he's up there with the likes of Ronaldinho, Kaka, Neymar, Suarez and Torres. He's up there for sure because he has everything that a player needs.
"He can defend and he can attack and score goals, so he's just incredible and I know how much he's done for the club and for sure he's one of the greatest football players ever who played for Liverpool."
Lucas arrived at Anfield from Gremio eight years ago as a 20-year-old midfielder with much to learn.
He has since flourished into a dependable presence in the engine room, with Brendan Rodgers the latest manager to rely on the Brazilian to anchor his midfield.
The 28-year-old is thankful to have had Gerrard to learn from every day in training during his time in the Barclays Premier League.
"To have a chance to learn with him every day on the training ground, I think that's the best opportunity you can have," he continued.
"You know every day you see something you can add to your game and I think he's been a very important player in my time here."