Carra: Lucas has been our best player

Jamie Carragher says injured midfielder Lucas Leiva has been our best player over the past 18 months.

Lucas, 24, has been ruled out for the rest of the season with cruciate knee ligament damage sustained in the League Cup win over Chelsea on Tuesday night.

“For the last 18 months, in my opinion, he has been our best player,” said Carragher.

“Luis Suarez has come in and done great things for the club but Lucas has been his equal in many ways.

“He has been as good as anyone in the team this season and there is no question he will be a big miss.”

Lucas himself Tweeted “Just to confirm that I will be out until the rest of season. I am really sad with the news because I was enjoying a lot on the pitch.

“I am sure I will come back stronger and I will achieve everything that I dream with the LFC shirt.

“I am sure I’ll NEVER WALK ALONE.”

It wasn’t so long ago Lucas was much maligned and received much criticism in his early years at Anfield. Carragher commented “I have been there in terms of receiving criticism.

“High standards are expected when you play for one of the big clubs and there are plenty examples of players who have gone missing after realising the demands on them.

“But you can tell Lucas is a top player as he never lets that bother him. He has just got on with it and plays in nearly every game. If he has a little knock, he will always try and carry on, doing his best for us. There are lots of different characters but you can’t fault Lucas.”