Boss praise for midfielder

Rafael Benitez believes Lucas Leiva's all-action performance against Benfica demonstrated exactly why he is an important cog in the Liverpool side.

The Brazilian capped a fine display with a clinically taken goal - his first of the season - and also had a hand in each of Fernando Torres's second-half strikes against the Portuguese side.

Benitez admits he was delighted with Lucas's contribution as the Reds surged into the Europa League semi-finals and reckons there is more to come from the midfielder.

"When you have a player that works so hard, he plays well, scores a goal and was involved all the time, you have to be really pleased for him," said the boss.

"The fans in the stadium can see Lucas running and working very hard. They know he is doing a great job. Some people on the TV, when they are comfortable on their sofas, they pick up the phone and decide. It is very easy for them.

"But the fans who see Lucas here every week, they realise he has become an important player. We are not talking about a player like Gerrard or Torres but he does such an important job and I am sure he will get better."

LFCCTV: Lucas v Benfica>>