Boss: Lucas is in a very good moment for us
Jürgen Klopp isn’t surprised by Lucas Leiva’s recent run of excellent form, admitting he’s never doubted the Brazilian’s qualities.
The 30-year-old has claimed three assists in his last five games for Liverpool – most recently on Monday evening at Watford when his pinpoint ball into the area allowed Emre Can to execute his stunning overhead kick.
May 11 will mark 10 years to the day Lucas originally signed for the Reds, and the club recently held a dinner at Anfield in honour of his decade of service.
And Klopp has praised the No.21’s displays in helping his side maintain their push for a top-four finish by highlighting his importance to the team.
He told his pre-Southampton press conference at Melwood: “Lucas was never in doubt – for me, never in doubt. It’s now more a countable outcome – I heard about three assists in his last five games or something like this!
“He is in a good moment and is very important for us. The club showed his best side, the best face, when we celebrated his 10 years. I must say, I was never part of something like this; it was a real sign of respect, a real sign of the size of the club and the importance of the player.
“He is in his best shape, so is very important for us. But like with all of the other players, these games are gone and we have to be focused on the next game and be ready to deliver again, to perform again and make two goals or whatever. That’s not forbidden.
“There is a lot of space for improvement for all of us, so that is what we are focused on.”