Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez expects Brazilian youngster Lucas Leiva to make a big impact at Anfield.

"It could be that he can now feature more," said Benitez. "I was talking about Lucas for a long time, and maybe people didn't know too much about him. He is a player with quality and experience.

"He's only 20 but already has experience at international level. I have a lot of confidence in him, though we do have very good players in the middle.

"He will need time, but he has shown now the quality he has."