It’s hard to fathom the quality of a player within such a short period of time, but many Liverpool fans are confident that Brazilian Lucas Leiva can become an Anfield Idol in much the same way that Arsenal have come to depend on midfield sensation Cesc Fabregas

The parallels between the two players may be unfair but they are not unexpected. The 20-year-old Lucas has a lot of expectation on his shoulders and even a brief stint against Merseyside rivals Everton whetted the Reds' appetite.

There is every chance that expectation will be met, Lucas is no flash in the pan and he has already achieved much in his short career. Arriving from Porto Alegre side Gremio, the youngster won major honours in Brazil  helping his team to gain promotion to the top tier of what is an immensely confusing Brazilian league system. He captained the Under-20 national side to the South American Youth Championship title and hence attracted the attention of many potential suitors, but it was Rafa Benitez who snared the bustling midfielder who many compare to former Brazilian captain and now national team coach, Dunga.

'The Liverpool coach has brought a few talented youngsters to Anfield in the last year or two including Sebastián Leto, Emiliano Insúa and Nabil El Zharand'


Incredibly the fee for Lucas is thought to be around £5m, which is peanuts in the current transfer climate. When Steven Gerrard was hauled off it came as a big shock to many, not least to the England man himself. It was a change that seemed baffling given that Gerrard was one of the more prominent figures on the pitch, but nonetheless the Brazilian substitute made an impact and should have come away from his first Mersey derby with a goal. Phil Neville had other ideas.

Cesc Fabregas has grown into one of the best players on the planet. The same age as Lucas, the Spaniard has far more experience in the game having been blooded by Arsene Wenger at a young age. Rafa Benitez is known for his squad rotation policy and Lucas may benefit from this drip drip method of team inclusion and help prevent a burn-out.

The Liverpool coach has brought a few talented youngsters to Anfield in the last year or two including Sebastián Leto, Emiliano Insúa and Nabil El Zharand. This policy will hold Liverpool in good stead for the future and whilst you can never guarantee that these youthful players will amount to much it’s a fair bet that given Benitez’s success as a manager they won’t turn out to be duds. This is also a cheaper method of squad development than simply throwing money at the problem. Take note Chelsea.

The influx of young players fleeing top European and other world leagues for the Premier League is nothing but a good thing in my opinion. There will be many churlish people who will point out that these stars may edge out British talent, but this is a throwaway statement. If you're good enough you will get your chance in the first team and that goes for Spanish, Italian, French, English or Brazilian teenagers.

Lucas Leiva is good enough and Liverpool fans have a new hero to cheer.

What is your opinion of Lucas? Will he progress to the top with Liverpool? Post your comments below or submit an article to Sportingo.