Benitez puts faith in Lucas to replace Alonso

Rafael Benitez believes Lucas Leiva can help fill the gap left by Xabi Alonso's departure - and the Brazilian youngster agrees.

The Liverpool boss believes 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.