Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has expressed his excitement at the return of midfielder Lucas Leiva from long-term injury.
The Seleção international was ruled out for the majority of last season following knee ligament damage he suffered against Chelsea in November.
Lucas has now returned to first-team action during pre-season with the Reds and scored on his Anfield return as Liverpool cruised to a 3-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen on Sunday.
Brendan Rodgers said: “He has been brilliant. He is a terrific guy.
“You have seen the growth of him as a player and a person, and the journey he’s been on at this club is incredible. He still feels he has a lot to offer. How I work in liking to play this high, intense pressing and passing game brings on his fitness.
“I think if you look at him now, he is in a real good moment. Hopefully he can stay fit and strong and keep pushing on for us.”
Lucas has pledged to deliver the same level of performances that saw him being named as the Player of the Year at Anfield for the 2010-11 campaign.
He recently said: “I am very lucky to be here and even though I’m starting my sixth season at Liverpool, I still feel fresh and there is no reason for me to think I can’t get back to the same level again.”
The 25-year-old has made 185 appearances for the Anfield club, who will kick-off their Premier League season against West Brom at the Hawthorns on Saturday.
