Scot insists Brazil international is better than given credit for in England.
Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has paid tribute to midfielder Lucas Leiva and believes the Brazilian's work ethic has earned him a burgeoning reputation in England.
The 24-year-old, who joined Liverpool under Rafael Benitez for a £6million fee, did not impress fans in his start to life in the Premier League as he worked to adjust to the high tempo, which was a marked change from the slower pace of the Brazilian league where he played for Gremio.
Suitors such as Palermo, Juventus and Seville had been linked with the midfielder, and Roy Hodgson told him that he could leave Anfield as he did not see him fit the changes he made to the Reds squad.
No concrete bids were made for Lucas who stayed put, much to the delight of the Kop who are now seeing the Brazil international in a new lease of life, especially after his outstanding performance in the 1-0 win at Chelsea last Sunday.
Dalglish told the Sun: "Brazil have had some fantastic players there - the best known was Dunga, who won World Cups and went on to manage the national side.
"I've always said Lucas is highly thought of in Brazil, probably more than in Britain, but certainly not at Liverpool.
"Last Sunday he was as good as anyone on the pitch at Chelsea and we have always appreciated what he can do.
"He won't beat five or six players and put it in the back of the net, but he may be the man who stops the guy going past the first one and sets us on our way.
"The fact he is playing for Brazil tells you they must be very pleased with him and the performances he's put in for us mean he's deserved it."
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Liverpool Boss Kenny Dalglish Hails Outstanding Lucas Leiva
Diposting oleh admin on Minggu, 13 Februari 2011
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