Brazilian midfielder Lucas Pezzini Leiva (known as Lucas) made his Liverpool debut in pre-season 2007-08 after signing from Gremio for a reported £6 million. Originally slated to play with the reserves, he made his full debut in the Champions League qualifer with Toulouse on August 28th 2007. He went on to make 30 appearances for the first team scoring one goal, a fine strike against Havant & Waterlooville in the FA Cup.
Lucas, known for is excellent game intelligence and maturity, became the youngest ever recipient of the Bola de Ouro in 2006 an award given to the best player over a season in the Brazilian Championship. Counting some of Brazils greatest ever players, past and present as previous winners (Zico and Kaka), the Bola de Oura is a highly prestigious award.
Sometimes referred to as the new Falcao in his homeland Lucas has captained the Brazil U20 side and lead them to victory in the U20 South American Championship in 2007 scoring four goals in the process.
Lucas won his first full international cap in august 2007 coming on as a sub in a friendly against Algeria.
In June 2008 Lucas was named in Brazils 18 man squad for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing, meaning he will miss the beginning of the 2008-09 Premier League season.
Profile last updated: Aug. 2008, By: Barnseysleftpeg
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