Lucas Leiva has revealed that he is currently enjoying the best phase of his Liverpool career.

The 28-year-old Brazilian was deemed surplus to requirements by former Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers but the midfielder has now gone on to establish himself as a key member of the squad under new boss Jurgen Klopp.

Lucas is certainly enjoying his football at the moment and has now gone on to state that the last few months have been the best in his career which have even seen him take the captain's armband at the Merseyside club.

"Jordan Henderson and James Milner were not playing, so I took the captain's armband," said Lucas, speaking to Globo Esporte.

"It was a very special moment for me. I've been at Liverpool many years so I know how important it is to be captain of Liverpool. Unfortunately the result (against Palace) wasn't the best, but it was still a special moment.

"I've had great times at the club, but this has really been one of my best phases of my years at Liverpool. I've been here many years and managed to get the respect of the fans, but in the beginning it was very complicated.

"I had a very difficult start and really had to change people's opinions. I wasn't prepared. But I had the willpower, and had coaches that helped me evolve. I identify very strongly with Liverpool now, and I'm in my ninth season."