PLAYER PROFILE

Lucas Leiva

Position: Midfield

Height: 5'8

Weight: 11st 7lbs

Date of Birth: 1987-01-09 Dourados, Brazil

Lucas Leiva

Liverpool signed Brazilian youngster Lucas Leiva in July 2007 from Gremio, where he had started his career.

In 2006, he became the youngest ever recipient of the Golden Ball in Brazil, having helped Gremio to the title.

He made a non-competitive debut for Brazil in October 2006, and has also captained the national under-20 team.

His first season at Anfield saw Lucas continue this development, but 2008/09 had a delayed start due to his participation in the Beijing Olympics. He also became a scapegoat for fans with a series of disappointing performances during a difficult time for Liverpool mid-season.