Source: Team_Talk
Gerrard offers Lucas support
Steven Gerrard is backing midfield colleague Lucas Leiva to embrace the added competition for places at Liverpool next season.[LNB] The Brazilian midfielder, who is currently away on Copa America duty, has only recently won over a sceptical Anfield fan base.[LNB]Initially branded a £5million flop, Lucas has had to work hard in an effort to become a first-team regular and an integral part of the Liverpool set-up.[LNB]He finally made that breakthrough last season, with 47 appearances in all competitions marking him out as a key man for the Reds.[LNB]The 24-year-old cannot afford to rest on his laurels, though, as Kenny Dalglish has been busy adding to his midfield ranks this summer.[LNB]Charlie Adam and Jordan Henderson have been drafted in, meaning the battle for starting berths will be fierce this season.[LNB]Club captain Gerrard is guaranteed a place if fit, but he believes Lucas has the mental strength to hold down a regular role alongside him.[LNB]"He has a strong, positive mentality," said Gerrard.[LNB]"I've seen all the difficulties he's been through. He has basically rolled his sleeves up, worked hard and improved.[LNB]"He has got stronger in the gym and has never let his head go down.[LNB]"He's been prepared to fight to prove a lot of people wrong and was consistently one of our best players last season."
