Former Liverpool striker John Aldridge singled out Reds holding midfielder Lucas Leiva for praise despite the Brazilian handing Leicester’s Jamie Vardy a goal during the match against the Foxes on Saturday.
It was the 29 year old’s first appearance of the season after recovering from a hamstring injury and was asked once again by Jurgen Klopp to play at centre half to replace the injured Dejan Lovren. Writing in his column for the Liverpool Echo, Aldridge said that the Reds player responded well to his mistake:
“The Brazilian’s response was absolutely perfect. He didn’t put a foot wrong after that, and can be very pleased with his performance overall. He’s a great character, someone who loves playing for Liverpool and will do a job whenever and wherever he’s asked. Don’t underestimate those qualities, or his ability to play as a centre half.”
The midfielder was on the verge of moving to Galatasaray in the summer but the move was blocked by Jurgen Klopp as he wanted to keep the Brazilian for cover at the back. He is now Liverpool’s longest serving player after joining from Gremio in July 2007. If he stays until next summer, he will have been at the club for ten years; not bad for a player who found it tough during his early career at the Reds.
