Kenny: Lucas can be our Ronnie Whelan

Kenny Dalglish claims he isn't surprised by Lucas's transformation from Anfield boo boy to the new Dunga as the Brazilian clocks up his 100th league appearance today.

Lucas has come a long way since he was made the fans' fall guy for Liverpool's rapid demise during Rafa Benitez's final season.

Supporters took out their frustrations on him as the Reds midfield struggled last season without Kop idol Xabi Alonso.

Lucas has won them over with a string of commanding performances and he has even been compared to Dunga after he wore the World Cup-winning captain's No 5 Brazil shirt against France in midweek.

Dalglish claims he always appreciated his talent and says he has been key to Liverpool's revival.

"It was interesting to see him playing for Brazil on Wednesday," said the Liverpool boss. "They have had some fantastic players in his position and the best known was was Dunga, who won World Cups and went on to manage the national side.

"I've always said Lucas is highly thought of in Brazil, probably more than in Britain, but certainly not at Liverpool.

"I don't know why he has started playing so well. Maybe he just needed time to settle. Whatever the reason, we're just grateful for the job that he's doing.

"We have always appreciated what he can do. Last Sunday he was as good as anyone on the pitch at Chelsea. So to see him playing for Brazil wasn't really a surprise for me."

Lucas, 24, is helping fans forget Javier Mascherano with his form and he is even being compared to Dalglish's old team-mate Ronnie Whelan because of his displays in the midfield holding role.

"Well, Ronnie was a good player," said Dalglish. "I don't think Lucas is going to be the one who beats five or six players and puts it into the back of the net. But he may be the one who stops the guy going past the first fella then sets us on our way.

"He's an important member of the team. Most teams have someone like that in the ranks and we are no different.

"The fact he started on Wednesday for Brazil tells you they must be very pleased with him as well, and the performances he's put in for us mean he's deserved it."

Dalglish will again look to Lucas to anchor Liverpool's midfield against Wigan at Anfield and the Reds boss has told his players they cannot let up because of their four-game winning run.

Fans are talking excitedly of grabbing a Champions League spot and Dalglish says they must keep pushing on.

"Winning the last four games without losing a goal has given everyone more confidence," he said. "But that doesn't mean to say you can be complacent.

"We've got to remember what we did to get there, how we got the results in the first place. Then we have got to repeat that as often as we possibly can.

"There's no shortcut to get to where we want to go. The only way we will get there is by winning games. We have given ourselves a great opportunity to build on something. Let's take it."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.