Does Lucas Leiva deserve a contract extension?

Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva has signed a new long-term contract at Anfield.

His form this season has persuaded the Liverpool hierarchy to hand him a longer deal.

He has made over 100 Premier League appearances for the Reds since his arrival in 2007 from Gremio and become a first team regular.

Scapegoat

Liverpool fans have used the Brazilian as a scapegoat in the past for the clubs poor performances.

Every local radio phone in had people ringing in and saying that the Brazilian wasn’t good enough for Liverpool or he wasn’t a Liverpool quality player.

However this season he has changed the mind of a lot of his critics and performed at a far higher standard. His performances this season have shown that he has got decent ability.

He was just 20 years of age when he arrived from Gremio. He was highly-rated but very raw and it’s took him a long time to adapt to the English game. He is now looking like a player that could be important in the clubs future plans.

He has worked really hard to try and fulfil his potential. And the hard work has really paid off this season with his form vastly improved. He deserves great credit for the fact that despite being heavily criticised he didn’t let it get him down. He got his head down and worked his way into form.

International

Lucas has won 12 caps for his national side and was in the Brazil side that beat Scotland 2-0 last weekend. He acquitted himself well and didn’t look out of place in the centre of the Brazilian midfield. He has now featured in his countries last five international games.

Delighted

His club boss Kenny Dalglish is delighted that the Brazilian has extended his contract. He told Sky Sports:

“We are delighted. He is a smashing lad to have around the football club but he hasn’t been signed for that, he has been signed because of what he does on the pitch.

“Certainly since I came in he has been a great asset to the team and has done tremendously well. He’s happy to be here and play for the club and he’s getting everything that he deserves at the moment – including being a fixture in the Brazilian team – because of what he’s done on the pitch.”

Confidence

Under Kenny Dalglish Lucas’ confidence has gone from strength to strength. Lucas seems like the sort of player and person who needs to be confident to produce his best form and since the Scot has arrived Lucas he has been playing at the top of his game.

Turnaround

If you would have told Liverpool fans at the start of the season that Lucas Leiva would be one of their best players this season they would have laughed at you. However a lot of those fans who were on his back last season are now praising the midfielder.

He still isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but he has now many more backers than he had this time last season among the Liverpool faithful. Some Liverpool fans may not agree with me but I think 24 year-old deserves his contract extension.

Are Liverpool right to offer Lucas Leiva a contract extension?