Rafa: Lucas deserves it

Rafael Benitez believes the mental strength and character displayed by Lucas Leiva throughout 2009-10 makes the Brazilian a deserved recipient of Liverpool fans' Young Player of the Season award.

The Brazilian, who was a virtual ever-present for the Reds, scooped the accolade after collecting a 48 per cent of the supporters' vote in our online poll.

It signals a turnaround in fortunes for the 23-year-old, who overcame some early-season media criticism to establish himself as one of Liverpool's most consistent performers.

"Lucas is still a young player. He has been working very hard and doing a very good job this year for us," Benitez told Liverpoolfc.tv.

"I don't see too many players in the situation of Lucas, who have been criticised so hard, especially in the media and sometimes in the stadium.

"But still he was working hard, with confidence in games and trying to improve. He has shown his character and improved a lot."

Lucas missed just three of Liverpool's Barclays Premier League fixtures in 2009-10, and made 50 appearances overall - with only Dirk Kuyt, Jamie Carragher and Pepe Reina turning out more times for the Reds.

However, Benitez is convinced there is much more to come from the No.21.

"He is very good mentally and he likes to improve and compete," added the boss. "He likes a challenge and he has proved this over the season.

"I think he can still improve. He is a young player, knows what the tempo of the Premier League is like and is improving every day."