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| Steven Gerrard has praised the impact of Brazilian Lucas Leiva and is convinced that the midfielder has a great future at Anfield. | The Reds skipper played alongside the 20-year-old during the 2-1 victory over Cardiff City on Wednesday and admits he has been highly impressed with how the youngster has adapted to life in England.
"He could have had the winner in the derby on his league debut and there aren't many players who can say that," said Gerrard.
"It is always difficult for new players to come on in the derby, especially when they're used to playing a different style of football in a different country. But Lucas came on and acquitted himself well.
"I've seen enough of him in training and in games to know that he has got a great future.
"He is only a young lad but once he picks up more experience and if he keeps on doing the right things in training and listening to the right people, then I'm sure he will go on to be a great player."
Lucas' cameo appearances for the Reds so far this season have also delighted boss Rafael Benitez, who revealed that fans can expect to see more and more of the Brazil international as the campaign progresses.
Benitez said: "He is the captain of the Brazilian under-21 team and he has already won a cap for the first team, so we knew all about his quality.
"It is not as if he was playing for one of the smaller countries. It is Brazil and it is really difficult for a player to play for such a big team at such a young age.
"So we were happy to sign him, and I am sure we will see more and more of him as the season goes on."
Lucas made the move to Anfield from Gremio during the summer, after his rapid rise to stardom saw him become the youngest player ever to win the Bola de Oura - the award handed out to the best player in the Brazilian championship.
The transition from playing in South American football to competing in the Premier League is not an easy one, but Benitez believes there are already signs that Lucas will be a complete success.
"Lucas has the quality and mentality to do well. It is different for him in England, even small things like the grass that we play on is different," said Benitez.
"But he is adapting well and he has shown in recent games that he is a player of talent and one who can do well in this country.
"He could have scored against Everton and it is a pity he didn't because to score the winner in the derby would have been good for him. But he still played an important role in the victory, so that is good.
"He is a player who is comfortable in possession, can pass the ball really well, has good movement, is always involved and can get from box to box.
"He can remain as a holding midfielder but he also likes to get forward because he scores goals, so he is more of a complete midfielder."
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