Express. Home of the Daily and Sunday Express.
Jamie Redknapp: Forget Sadio Mane, this Liverpool star is 'Mr Dependable' for Jurgen Klopp
JAMIE REDKNAPP believes Lucas has proved to be "Mr Dependable" for Liverpool over the years.
Lucas is currently Liverpool's longest serving player
Lucas, in his 10th year at Anfield, has been deployed as a makeshift centre-back by Jurgen Klopp of late as opposed to his preferred central midfield position.
Many were critical of Lucas' inclusion in defence last weekend for the clash against top-four rivals Tottenham.
But the 30-year-old put in a stellar performance at the back to keep England international Harry Kane at bay all afternoon.
Jamie Redknapp was full of praise for Lucas' performance at Liverpool
Lucas kept Harry Kane at bay in Liverpool's 2-0 win over Tottenham last weekend
Sadio Mane scored twice to give Liverpool their first Premier League win of 2017 but Redknapp reserved praise for Lucas as the Reds' unsung hero.
"Sadio Mane will win the plaudits for his goals against Tottenham but Lucas deserves a special mention for his performance at centre back," Redknapp told the Daily Mail.
"I expected him to be in for a torrid afternoon up against Harry Kane and Dele Alli but Lucas kept the in-form Tottenham pair at bay. He defended like a warrior.
"Lucas may not be the biggest player but he is so wily, knowing when to nudge his opponent and put them off balance.
"The Brazilian has had to suffer plenty of questions about his ability since arriving at Anfield in 2007 but more often than not he is Mr Dependable when called upon — be it in defence or midfield.
"With Dejan Lovren and Joel Matip missing games through injury this season, Lucas is proving that he can still be an important part of Jurgen Klopp’s side."