Lucas reveals his star of 10-11

The Brazilian may have scooped the Standard Chartered award for his consistent displays throughout the campaign - but when it comes to his own choice he reckons the Portuguese No.4 has been the Reds' main man.

"It's really hard to pick one player after this season," Lucas said.

"Dirk (Kuyt) was very important and scored a lot of goals. Pepe (Reina) was very consistent and then there's Raul.

"I'd pick Raul because it was his first season for Liverpool and he has been fantastic. He has scored some really important goals and deserves it.

"I know how difficult it is to come to Anfield and play. He has come in and shown everyone he's a really good player."

Liverpool's sixth place finish means there will be no European football on show at Anfield next season.

Lucas is eager to rectify that as soon as possible and is eager to make a return to the continent's elite competition by helping the Reds step up a notch in 2011-12.

"We all know how difficult this season has been as we didn't start well but now everyone can see the club is going in the right direction," he added.

"It's hard to set targets as you start every season wanting to win everything and sometimes things don't work out the way you want.

"But we want to get in the top four and get back to playing in the Champions League again.

"We know how special those nights are at Anfield and we want them back. It's where the club belongs.

"I want to stay with Liverpool a long time and help them win trophies."

Lucas is currently in his homeland preparing for this summer's Copa America, a tournament that could well see him come face to face with his new teammate Luis Suarez.

"It's something we've talked about and we might be facing each other in the quarter-finals or the semis," Lucas said. "It would be a great occasion as Luis and I have a very good relationship but hopefully Brazil will do better."

He added: "Luis has only been at Liverpool four months but what's he done already is amazing.

"We all knew when he signed that we had got a really good striker. He had proved that at the World Cup and at Ajax where he scored a lot of goals.

"But he has settled so quickly and you can see he really feels at home.

"It's great because you can play the ball to him and he creates things for us. Luis has been really important for us and the fans already love him.

"Opponents will know him better next season and that will make it harder for him. But I'm sure he will be able to cope with that.

"Luis is only 24 and still improving. I'm sure next season he will be able to play at a really high level.

"We will all try to help him to do things and score goals. He will be a key player for us next season and he will start off with a lot of confidence because of what he's achieved in the last few months."

Brazil will play friendlies with Holland and Romania prior to their Copa America campaign and Lucas has been quick to enjoy some downtime ahead of what promises to be a busy summer.

"When I'm on holiday I really like going to my farm," he said.

"I love spending time there and breathing the fresh air. There are no mobile phones and no internet. It's good to switch off and try to rest.

"I have a short time off and then we've got the two friendlies. Then there are a few days off before we start preparations for the Copa America.

"Hopefully I can do well and be involved in the tournament. It would be my first official senior competition with Brazil and I'm really looking forward to it. I know how difficult it is to be in this squad and it's reward for what I've done for Liverpool."

It is Lucas's impressive form for Liverpool that has seen him establish himself as a mainstay in the  Brazil midfield.

He admits he feels privileged to be important to both club and country and puts his recent success down to the level of support he received when he first made the move to England.

"I'm a lucky man because a lot of people have always tried to help me," he said. "My family are the most important thing, especially for the help they give me in difficult moments.

"My manager at Gremio who is now in charge of the national team has also been really important for me.

"Then there's Rafa. He brought me to Liverpool and helped me to develop as a player."

He added: "Now Kenny has come in and changed the whole atmosphere in the club.

"The spirit in the team is better. Kenny knows how important it is to give players confidence to perform.

"He's really relaxed and tells us not to be scared to make mistakes.

"I've really enjoyed it. I know how hard I worked to be at this stage and I have to make sure I keep improving."