All Rafa Benitez 45 signings for Liverpool ranked!
By David Gate
Number 8: Lucas Leiva
Lucas Leiva had just turned 20-years-old when Rafael Benitez purchased him from Brazilian club Grêmio on May 11, 2007.
His ten years with Liverpool were somewhat of a rollercoaster. Lucas was recently presented with a Special Recognition award, in honour of spending a decade at the club. However, the Brazilian wasn’t always beloved by the fans. In fact, he began his career often being heckled by the Anfield faithful.
But the turn of the decade brought Lucas a level of support most players dream of. He was named the Standard Chartered Player of the Season for the 2010-2011 campaign. The award is voted on by Liverpool supporters.
Three years later, Lucas was presented with the inaugural Bill Shankly Award. It’s an honour given to, “someone who has upheld the club’s values, showing dignity, unity, commitment and ambition.”
On November 8, 2015, Lucas started a Premier League game as Liverpool captain for the first time.
Lucas was eventually loved by Liverpool supporters for his constant effort on and off the ball. And perhaps also for contributing to the pure gold “unlucky” meme.
The sale of Lucas to Italian club Lazio was confirmed on July 18, 201. Liverpool sold the Brazilian midfielder for an estimated five-million pounds, the same amount Rafael Benitez bought him for ten years earlier. Lucas departed as the last remaining member of the Benitez era. @UnofficialAB