Lucas: Liverpool clash could be a game-changer

Lucas Moura has labelled today’s clash with Liverpool as a ‘big opportunity’ for us and one which has the potential to be a game-changer in our season.

Results of late might not have gone our way but the Brazilian speedster knows, in this game, situations can change in no time at all. And it is in that knowledge that Lucas is hopeful that, with a good performance against the Reds, we can take all three points and get back on track in the Premier League.

He is not underestimating the task in hand though. Our opposition are flying at the moment and have been for the last 12 months. Without defeat in the league since 3 January, 2018, Jurgen Klopp’s side are enjoying a quite astonishing period, but our number 27 has full faith in his team-mates and believes we are more than capable of being the side to end the Merseyside outfit’s near-on perfect run.

And, if we are to succeed in that aim, he feels victory could give us a renewed bounce as we plough on with our campaign.

“Football is incredible, because you can change everything in one week, in a matter of days,” the forward explained. “This kind of game can change our direction this season.

“Every player loves this type of game so I think this will be a great match, but also a big opportunity for us to show that we are ready and that we are also, like Liverpool, a very good team. They are in an unbelievable moment, but we are capable to have a great game against them, get the win and get the three points, because we need them.

“Our last few results have not been so good but going up against the league leaders, if you play really well, if you win, it can bring new motivation and new confidence for the upcoming games and that makes this a big opportunity for us.”

After learning that we would be without this season’s top scorer Harry Kane until April as he is set to undergo surgery following a hamstring injury, Lucas admits that he feels even more responsibility to get on the scoresheet for us.

But, having already got off the mark in 2020 with his header against Middlesbrough in Sunday’s 1-1 draw at the Riverside, the Brazilian international feels more than ready to step up to that mantle.

“I feel the responsibility (to get the goals) because we are without our number 10,” he explained. “Harry is an amazing player and he can make the difference, but I think this team is able to take on anything. Myself and (Heung-Min) Son have different characteristics to Harry but we are ready to help the team in any way we can.

“We will do our best to score the goals and win the games. We are ready in this situation.”