Lucas wants to replace Alonso

Liverpool’s Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva says he hopes to impress so much this season that he becomes a regular feature in Rafa Benitez’s central midfield.

Lucas will be hoping he can fill in for the departed Xabi Alonso and stands in line to make a starting appearance in the Reds’ first Premier League game of the season next weekend with new signing Alberto Aquilani struggling with a hamstring injury.

He said, “I’m feeling really good and I’m training really hard. I’m looking to impress and we must see what happens.

“We are sad because Xabi has gone but hopefully whoever comes in will show quality and improve the squad.”