Saturday, May 16, 2009

Gerrard Talks Up Brazilian Youngster

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes Lucas Leiva has a bright future at the club, despite some of the Anfield Faithfull’s criticism of the player.

The newly crowned Football Writer’s Player of the year told the club’s official website: “Lucas has had criticism from people, and for me that's unfair. He's a young lad still learning his trade,”

“He does a lot of hard work that goes unnoticed in this team by many people, but we as players notice it.”

“He's come in to a lot of big games where the manager has basically said to him 'it's sink or swim'. And for me he has swam.”

“He's done very well for us when he's been called upon, and he's certainly got a bright future here.”

Leiva has struggled to break into the Liverpool first team and has found his route blocked by the brilliant form of Xabi Alonso and Javier Mascherano.

The Brazilian international was signed from Gremio in 2007 for a reputed £6 million transfer fee.

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