Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez believes Lucas Leiva can help fill the gap left by Xabi Alonso's departure.
The Liverpool boss says Lucas has been the club's most impressive player during pre-season, and the 22-year-old underlined that with a goal and an eye-catching display in Saturday's 2-1 home friendly defeat to Atletico Madrid.
Kop fans are still disappointed that Alonso has left, even if Liverpool have got £30million from Real Madrid for the Spain international.
And Benitez is aware the more adventurous Alberto Aquilani, bought from Roma for £20m last Friday, is not yet ready to replace Alonso in midfield, paving the way for Lucas to make his mark.
"Lucas has been best the player in pre-season. He showed why again against Atletico", Benitez said.
"He is really focused, working hard and is showing quality. He knows Aquilani will need time.
"When we decided to bring in Aquilani we knew he would be out for one month or so, so we analysed the squad and we think that with Javier Mascherano, Lucas, Steven Gerrard and Damien Plessis we have enough (strength in depth)."
For Lucas, this is a great chance to win over the Anfield fans, who dished out plenty of criticism last season.
"I am always ready and now Xabi is gone I hope there will be more opportunities for me", Lucas said.
"I am just working hard in training to try to earn a position in the team."
