Why Lucas got his ultimate reward

AMID the scarf twirling, the dancing in the aisles and the unconfined revelry, a gesture was made during Liverpool's flattening of Benfica that was of huge significance.

Rafa Benitez rarely indulges in public displays of affection but after Lucas had thundered into another challenge that led to Fernando Torres dispatching the all-important fourth goal, which secured a place in the Europa League semi-finals, he broke from the norm.

As Liverpool's players trotted back to take their positions, Benitez bellowed to the Brazilian from the edge of his technical area and gave him a firm thumbs-up, before nodding his head in appreciation at his efforts, then turning on his heels.

"That was a great tackle and he was doing really well," the manager explained. "When you have a player that works so hard, he plays well, scores a goal and was involved all the time, you have to be really pleased for him."

It was no more than Lucas deserved. One of many who excelled in the 4-1 victory, it would not be wide of the mark to say that, thanks to his range of passing, athleticism, desire and creativity, this was his finest display in a red shirt.

Given he has been unfairly hounded during his career on Merseyside, castigated by a certain section of impatient and frustrated supporters, it was heart-warming to hear the Kop chanting Lucas' name on four separate occasions.

He might not be the most skilful player to represent Liverpool but, with each game he plays, this young man from Dourados is getting better, a point proved by the poise he showed when scoring the second goal on Thursday evening.

Only time will tell if this proves to be his watershed moment but, as he switches his attentions back to Premier League matters and tomorrow's date with Fulham, Benitez is sure of Lucas' position in his squad

"The fans in the stadium can see Lucas running and working very hard," he said. "They know he is doing a great job. Some people on the TV, when they are comfortable on their sofas, they pick up the phone and decide. It is very easy for them.

"But the fans who see Lucas here every week, they realise he has become an important player. We are not talking about a player like Gerrard or Torres but he does such an important job and I am sure he will get better."

Getting better, however, is a comment that must be applied to Liverpool's form in the Premier League if they are going to qualify for the Champions League next season.

After such a thrilling display against Benfica, you would anticipate Liverpool will turn up in a similar mood for the visit of their fellow Europa League semi-finalists Fulham but Benitez has warned they cannot take anything for granted if they want to reach the top four.

"We know that we are in a position where we have to depend on the others but, if they make a mistake, we have to be ready," said Benitez, whose side are chasing their ninth consecutive home league win.

"We cannot be watching the others if we cannot win our games and say they were dropping points but we could not do anything about it. We have to concentrate on the next game, get three points and be ready.

"But, if we keeping doing our job, I am confident that we can still get there. We need five wins and there was no better way to warm up for it than with the way we beat Benfica. It was really important to score a lot of goals. We need to keep the momentum."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.