Brazilian midfielder Lucas believes he is winning over the Liverpool fans after being given a tough time by sections of the Anfield crowd last season.
The 22-year-old's form dipped during the Reds' prolonged spell of poor home form which eventually cost them the title.
Lucas has burst back onto the scene this season however as a stronger and more determined player who has even handled the tough job of stepping into Xabi Alonso's shoes.
He has been ever-present this term and is expected to anchor midfield again on Wednesday night when Liverpool open their Champions League group phase campaign with a home clash with Hungarian champions Debrecen.
Lucas said: "Nobody likes to be criticised, but such things happen in football. In many ways it has been a good experience for me because I am strong physically and mentally now.
"I can play with more relaxation and patience. I can be calmer because I know the fans are supporting me more.
"If (manager) Rafa (Benitez) had wanted me to leave, he would have said so. But he always said he had confidence in my football and I was improving.
"I am now a better player than when I arrived. I did some physical work in the summer to put on some kilos to help me play in the Premier League, and that has helped me a lot."
He added: "I am trying to improve all the time, I am feeling more confident and I will be able to maintain this level."
Lucas has played his part in keeping the Liverpool midfield ticking over in the absence of Alonso, who completed a big-money move to Real Madrid over the summer, but the Brazilian who moved to Merseyside from Gremio in July 2007 insists he offers something different from the Spain midfielder tactically.
The 22-year-old's form dipped during the Reds' prolonged spell of poor home form which eventually cost them the title.
Lucas has burst back onto the scene this season however as a stronger and more determined player who has even handled the tough job of stepping into Xabi Alonso's shoes.
He has been ever-present this term and is expected to anchor midfield again on Wednesday night when Liverpool open their Champions League group phase campaign with a home clash with Hungarian champions Debrecen.
Lucas said: "Nobody likes to be criticised, but such things happen in football. In many ways it has been a good experience for me because I am strong physically and mentally now.
"I can play with more relaxation and patience. I can be calmer because I know the fans are supporting me more.
"If (manager) Rafa (Benitez) had wanted me to leave, he would have said so. But he always said he had confidence in my football and I was improving.
"I am now a better player than when I arrived. I did some physical work in the summer to put on some kilos to help me play in the Premier League, and that has helped me a lot."
He added: "I am trying to improve all the time, I am feeling more confident and I will be able to maintain this level."
Lucas has played his part in keeping the Liverpool midfield ticking over in the absence of Alonso, who completed a big-money move to Real Madrid over the summer, but the Brazilian who moved to Merseyside from Gremio in July 2007 insists he offers something different from the Spain midfielder tactically.
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