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Brazilian midfielder attracted strong interest
Published by Redneck on February 29, 2008
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Rafa Benitez has revealed how he has had to fend of strong interest from Europe’s elite clubs for our improving Brazilian midfielder Lucas Leiva, which seemed to prompt the Spaniard into bringing Lucas up the pecking order, dislodging Xabi Alonso in the process.
“We’ve had offers for Lucas but we said no because we want to keep him, clubs have asked about him. Clubs in Italy and Spain - maybe ten in La Liga. Good clubs in Spain and clubs in Italy who will pay more money.” Rafa told the Offish site.
“Lucas was the captain of Gremio and Brazil’s Under-20 team. He has two caps with the senior national team.”
“He’s a player with a very good mentality and quality. He’s very professional, focused and a fantastic player. I don’t have any problem with him. If you need to take a penalty, Gerrard will be there and Lucas can be there - he has a very good mentality.” he added.
Rafa has been impressed with Lucas’ progression since his £6million arrival last summer after coming up through the ranks at Brazilian outfit Gremio.
“When he first arrived here and needed to improve his English he was not playing. I talked to him and he said, ‘Hey I’m okay, I’m improving’.”
“He is learning and when I bought him I thought he’d be able to play in the big games like Inter in his first season.” added Rafa.
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It’s disappointing to see some people turning against Lucas so early on.
Especially when so many call for Rafa to blood in young reserve players - Lucas could easily have gone into the reserves with Leto, but Rafa’s pushed him on and it’ll only do him good to get experiences like the Inter one.
it will be doing him the world of good playing against top teams, can’t help but think Rafa was forced to play him in order to fend off interest from elsewhere.
He’s done really well though, a few mistakes and lack of composure on the ball occasionally, but i’m still a fan of the lad … along with Babel, these two should prove to be bargain buys!