RAFAEL BENITEZ believes Lucas can help fill the gap left by Xabi Alonso’s departure – and the Brazilian youngster agrees.

The Liverpool manager reckons Lucas has been the club’s most impressive player during pre-season, and the 22-year-old underlined that with a goal and an eye-catching display in Saturday’s 2-1 home friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid.

Many Liverpool fans are still disappointed that Alonso has left, even if Liverpool have got £30million from Real Madrid for the Spain international.

And Benitez is aware the more adventurous Alberto Aquilani, bought from Roma for £20m last Friday, is not yet fit enough to replace Alonso in midfield, paving the way for Lucas to make his mark.

He said: “Lucas has been the best player in pre-season. He showed why again against Atletico. He is really focused, working hard and is showing quality.

“He knows Aquilani will need time. When we decided to bring in Aquilani we knew he would be out for one month or so, so we analysed the squad and we think that with Javier Mascherano, Lucas, Steven Gerrard and Damien Plessis we have enough (strength in depth).”

For Lucas, this is a great chance to win over the Anfield fans, who dished out plenty of criticism last season.

Lucas said: “I am always ready and now Xabi is gone I hope there will be more opportunities for me.

“I am just working hard in training to try to earn a position in the team.

“I have played a lot of minutes in pre-season and that has given me more confidence. I am feeling better and hopefully it will be a good season for me.”