Source: Eurosport
I'm not the new Xabi Alonso, says Lucas
Liverpool's Brazilian midfielder Lucas could never try to replace Xabi Alonso at the Premier League club, he said on Tuesday.
"I knew when Xabi left (for Real Madrid) that people would compare (us) but anyone who knows football knows I am not the same player as Xabi," he told reporters at Anfield.
Lucas has always shown promise but is only just starting to produce the form and consistency that persuaded manager Rafa Benitez to sign him from Brazilian side Gremio in 2007.
His performances this term have received special attention because he is filling the gap created by Alonso's move to Madrid during the transfer window.
"I try to play more forward and Xabi is a good passer," Lucas added ahead of Liverpool's Champions League opener against Hungarian champions Debrecen on Wednesday.
"Of course, we miss him (Xabi) but now he is at Real Madrid and we hope he will do well there. We have to now think about our squad," said the 22-year-old.
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
