Sunday, May 17, 2009

Lucas: Gerrard Has Been Superb


Steven Gerrard will lead out Liverpool for the first time as Footballer of the Year at West Brom on Sunday.

The Anfield skipper won the Football Writers' award this week, but will no doubt now be expecting to take the field at The Hawthorns knowing that Liverpool's title bid has failed.

Manchester United are likely to wrap up their third successive title and their 11th Premier League crown by at least taking a point from their home game with Arsenal 24 hours earlier.

But Gerrard will be proud that he has been the driving inspiration behind Liverpool's season, a fact echoed by young Brazilian midfielder Lucas.

Lucas said: "For me it is not a surprise he has won the award because he has been superb all season.

"We know how important he is to this team and Liverpool - for me Stevie is one of the best players in the world. I think only two or three players are maybe at the same level as him so he deserves all the credit.

"I have been at Liverpool for two years now and I have learned a lot from Stevie.

"Every day I watch him in training and you can see just what a world class player he is. He gives 100% always in training and I learn a lot of things every day from him."

Explaining his own dreams, Lucas added: "We all know Liverpool is a big club with magnificent support and we want to work as hard as we can to help Liverpool win titles.

"I came to Liverpool to try to make history. We still have a chance to win the league, but if we do not win it this year then hopefully next season will be even better."

On Thursday night Gerrard was guest of honour at the Hillsborough memorial charity match at Anfield between a Kenny Dalglish XI and an All-Stars team.

Gerrard was introduced to both sets of players before the game and given a rapturous ovation from the fans.

He said: "Being guest of honour capped a great couple of days for me.

"It was a fantastic occasion, a fitting tribute to the 96 Liverpool fans who died at Hillsborough 20 years ago and also a chance to help the Marina Dalglish appeal which is obviously a really good cause."

Liverpool will have midfielder Xabi Alonso back at West Brom following an ankle injury, having missed last week's victory at West Ham, their eighth victory in nine league matches.

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