Lucas Leiva overcame criticism and doubt to become a beloved adopted Scouser in a decade-long spell at Liverpool.
Few, if any, players have enjoyed such a drastic transformation as the long-haired arrival from Gremio in 2007.
Lucas came to the club with a glowing reputation as a young, attack-minded midfielder, but would blossom at the Reds in a more defensive role.
Steven Gerrard, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano and others were the midfield competition in his first few seasons, meaning Lucas had the challenge of maintaining such standards when handed game time.
It was Alonso’s departure in 2009 that paved the way for the No.21 to stake a regular spot in the side – an opportunity he more than grasped.
Lucas racked up 50 appearances in 2009-10 – the most of his time at Anfield – and was then voted by supporters as Liverpool’s Player of the Season in the following campaign.
