Lucas Leiva believes Luis Suarez's return to action has brought both world-class quality to the Reds' attack - and an injection of confidence to the whole Liverpool squad.

The Uruguayan marked his first Barclays Premier League start of the season with a brace against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday.

Lucas revealed how Suarez is delighted to be back in the mix - and has backed the marksman to emulate his terrific form of last season.

"Luis was the best player in the Premier League last year, so having him in our side again this season is just a real boost for all the team and the squad," Lucas told Liverpoolfc.com.

"He's really happy to be back. He's always been training with us, but now he's available to help us in the official games, it will be much better.

"We just hope he can have the same season that he had last year because he was a really important player for us.

"If he does the same as last season, we will have a better chance to achieve what we want to achieve.

"He's just given us more confidence. The squad that we had without him was a good one, but with him back in it, we'll be even better. He's one of the best in the world."

Last season Suarez found the net 23 times in 33 league games - and Lucas insists the fans can expect more of the same from the 26-year-old as he looks to build on his Sunderland strikes.

He said: "The fans know Suarez very well. He's been here for two or three years and we all know how he is.

"He's a fighter and he will do everything he can to help the team, just as he did last year and the season before. That's what everyone expects from him and I don't think he's thinking any other way.

"He just wants to play his game and score goal and help his teammates because he has a really good relationship with everyone here at Melwood."

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