Lucas looking to keep up Liverpool's away-day success
LUCAS LEIVA has insisted that Liverpool must continue with their excellent away form when they head to the Britannia Stadium tomorrow night - but also accepts that Stoke aren't to be underestimated.
The Brazilian remained on the bench when the Potters came to Anfield back in September and he recalls how Tony Pulis's men frustrated the Liverpool team.
"We had a difficult game against them at Anfield when we could only draw which was very frustrating," said Lucas. "In the game at Anfield we had about 70% of the possession but it was really difficult to break them down because they were really narrow.
"Hopefully we will have more space on Saturday to pass the ball well and create more chances and put them away."
With Xabi Alonso still a doubt after picking up a foot injury against Preston at the weekend Lucas is eyeing up a place in the starting line-up.
Meanwhile, Rafael Benitez has been conducting extra training sessions at Melwood this week in a effort to neutralise the threat of the elaborate Rory Delap throw-ins which have harrowed many teams defences this season.
Lucas said: "They have a real threat from long throw-ins, which is always dangerous.
"During the training sessions we have been working at defending from long throw-ins so we have to be ready.
"When I was back in Brazil I saw players with long throws but they didn't throw it as far as Stoke can.
"They can always score from them so we must clear the ball as much as possible."
Lucas featured in Liverpool's last league game when they demolished Newcastle 5-I, with the Brazilian finally showing glimpses of the player he has always promised to be.
"I think that was my best performance for Liverpool," said Lucas. "As a team we played really well, not just me, and everyone played their part.
"We had a lot of chances to score more than five. I think I was a little bit unlucky not to score and I could have maybe got a hat-trick but their goalkeeper made a lot of good saves."
Lucas played a notable part in the siege against the Magpies playing a pin-point pass to his captain Steven Gerrard.
"When you can create something for the team, especially an assist for a goal, you always feel pleased, and it was a great finish from Stevie which was fantastic.
"After the difficult game I had against Fulham I think I am improving a lot and I have got confidence.
"The supporters have been behind me and have tried to help me so I'm really happy.
"I always try to improve in every game and try to take my chance. When you get your chance you have to take it, because with the quality of players we have here you know if you drop your level it will be more difficult to get another chance."
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it took time time to believe in you, but you proved your worth and now think you could replace Xabi and you are a more attacking player with the ability to score more goals than him...