Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers insists he values Lucas Leiva.
Rodgers argued on Friday that he never wanted rid of Lucas, but simply chose to go with a system that didn't suit the player's style.
"Lucas was one I never ever said that I wanted to move out. I think there was speculation, and a lot said. But he was never one we wanted to move on," he stated.
"He is an important part of our squad. It's been difficult for him because last year we played Stevie (Gerrard) in the play-making role suited to the players we had up to the top of the field. In the last few games we have gone with a different structure and needed a defensive midfielder in that role, and Lucas has done really well there.
"I think now in this period, whenever we need someone who can give us that defensive solidity in there, someone who can press the ball and give us that aggression, he can do that well."
