Source: SKY_Sports
Lucas ready to deliver
// A bit of a hack but it works// The article snippet is wrapped onto a second line, even when #article-sub is emptyif( $("div#article-sub").children().length == 0 ) {$("div#article-sub").remove();} Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva believes his 'difficult moments' in England have made him a better player.[LNB] The Brazil international has at times struggled since arriving from Gremio in 2007 and has earned criticism from some quarters.[LNB]Lucas was sent off as Liverpool lost at Merseyside rivals Everton in the FA Cup last season in one of his lowest experiences.[LNB]But the 22-year-old impressed against Stoke in midweek and, after a personally positive pre-season, he feels his career at Anfield is on the up.[LNB]"Back in Brazil everything seemed to progress perfectly from when I was a kid," he said in the Daily Mirror. "I played well, scored goals and won titles - it was easy.[LNB]"When I moved to Liverpool it was suddenly different and I've had some difficult moments. However, theses experiences can help me. They have made me stronger.[LNB]Step up"I realised I had to be stronger. I've done plenty of work in pre-season so I'm better able to cope with the physical side of the game here.[LNB]"Now I'm able to get forward more and I believe I can have a good year."[LNB]Lucas, though, insists he is not going to be a direct replacement for Xabi Alonso, who joined Real Madrid in the summer.[LNB]He expects a number of players to step up following his former team-mate's move to the Bernabeu.[LNB]Lucas added: "People have said, 'Lucas might fill Xabi's boots'. But his departure doesn't mean that. It is an opportunity for a few players, not just me.[LNB]"But I feel stronger. I'm playing well and I'm enjoying it here. I hope that continues."[LNB]
