Lucas Leiva has thanked Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez for standing by him this season.

The Brazil international has been barracked by a section of the Liverpool support, but is now winning over the skeptics.

Lucas said: "I'm pleased with my performances. I'm getting more minutes on the pitch and making good use of it.

"But I have to thank the confidence my manager has in me for that.

"I don't see Chelsea or Manchester United having the same potential as us this year."