This is the first of a series of posts dedicated to our LFC heroes, I'll set the ball rolling with a personal hero of mine, Lucas Leiva. If you would like to contribute with your own post, contact me on Twitter @DanRobinson23.
It is well known by those I talk football with, be that at a match, at school or on Twitter, that I have a bit of a soft spot for Mr Leiva- and not without reason. His story is inspirational, coming straight from Brazil at the tender age of 20 it was always going to be difficult for him to settle in the North-West of England. After signing from Gremio for a fee of around £5m, Liverpool fans were expecting an exciting playmaker in the mould of Kaka or Ronaldinho.
"I am looking forward to seeing him score goals for Liverpool in the future and [we] believe he has the mentality and the character you need to do well in England"- Rafa Benitez.
Statements like Benitez's were hardly going to dampen those expectations. Since Lucas joined he was being trained to become a more complete player, to have a range of abilities somewhere in between Xabi Alonso and Javier Masherano. The disappointment of not being the player that the fans expected added with the pressure of being Gerrard, Alonso or Masherano hindered Lucas' first couple of seasons in England. Regardless, he worked away and tried to improve himself to become the player he knew he could be. The player Rafa knew he could be.
Lucas has had an exceptional last 18 months, both on a footballing and personal level. Winning over fans, pundits and doubters along the way. In March, Lucas became a father for the first time and signed a new long-term contract at Liverpool. Over 40% of Liverpool fans who voted in the official Player of the Season poll opted for Lucas, helping him win the accolade by quite a bit.
It's been a tough ride for Lucas Leiva but he has now become a key player for Liverpool Football Club and he is everything a proffesional footballer should be. Determined, hard-working and talented. Finally Lucas is showing his ability and becoming a fan favourite- and he can still get even better.
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