Source: Liverpool_Echo
Lucas goes on the offensive for Liverpool FC
IT WAS a moment which underlined the rush of confidence sweeping through Rafa Benitez's side.[LNB]Lucas Leiva, so often the target of Kopites' frustration, embarked on a dazzling run into the penalty box.[LNB]Lille defender Adil Rami clumsily upended him, Steven Gerrard netted from the spot and Liverpool were on course for a place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.[LNB]Having been cast aside for Alberto Aquilani against Portsmouth, Lucas impressed on his return to the heart of the Reds' midfield on Thursday night.[LNB]The much maligned Brazilian relished the chance to play in a more advanced role and deserved the plaudits that rightly came his way.[LNB]Lucas, like many of his team-mates, looks rejuvenated ahead of tomorrow's lunchtime showdown at Old Trafford, although the 23-year-old fears he may never win over his fiercest Anfield critics.[LNB]'I felt I did well but I know some people will not ever turn to my side,' he said.[LNB]'I guess I have to play for the people who believe in me and who like me. I'm just trying to keep focused and keep working.[LNB]'Maybe 80% of my time in Liverpool has been difficult for me but when I came here I learned to take just the positive things. If you focus on the negatives maybe you won't improve.[LNB]'Sometimes people just don't understand why I'm not going forward all the time. A lot of times I have to help out defensively rather than attack.[LNB]'But against Lille I was able to get forward more when I felt the time was right. The manager just said they were good on the counter attack with quick players so we had to be careful.[LNB]'But it was important we got forward as we needed goals. It was good to win the penalty early on to give us an advantage.
