You'll have plenty to celebrate when you subscribe to the Liverpool FC newsletter Sign me up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Lucas Leiva believes Luis Suarez is a man on a mission to bring Champions League football back to Anfield.

The Uruguay striker doubled his tally for the season when he struck a majestic hat-trick in Saturday's 4-1 thrashing of West Brom.

Suarez failed in his attempts to force through a move to Arsenal in the summer, but Lucas insists his current form proves he's fully committed to Brendan Rodgers' side.

“Luis is such a special talent,” Lucas told the ECHO.

“What he did last season for us and what he's done already this season just shows why the club wanted to keep him so much.

“He was the best player in the Premier League last season. We are happy he stayed with us and he's showing every week how committed he is. We all knew he would be. We know he loves what he does and he wants to help the team.

“What happened in the summer doesn't matter now. His mind is focused on helping the team achieve great things.

“Every player here wants to play in the Champions League. No-one wants to spend Tuesday and Wednesday nights watching the matches on TV.

“Luis is one of the top five best players in the world and he wants to be there in the big games. That's why he's so committed to this team - he wants to put Liverpool back in the Champions League.

“That's what we all want – the players, the staff and the fans. If we all stay together, especially during the difficult moments, I think we will get there.

“There is still a long way to go but we are showing every week we are becoming stronger and stronger. We have to keep calm, keep working hard and keep believing.”

West Brom became the latest Premier League side to be tormented by the brilliance of Suarez and Daniel Sturridge, who completed the scoring with a sublime 20-yard chip over Boaz Myhill.

Rodgers' side remain third in the Premier League – just two points adrift of leaders Arsenal, who the Reds face at the Emirates on Saturday.

The only frustration for Lucas was referee Jon Moss' decision to award a penalty when he collided with Billy Jones inside the penalty area. James Morrison grabbed the Baggies' consolation.

Video: James Pearce on LFC 4 WBA 1

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

“The link up between Luis and Daniel is getting better and better,” Lucas said.

“Last season they didn't really have much of a chance to play many games together but this season we can see they are scoring goals.

“When you have two strikers in such good form we just have to make sure we defend well because we know they will create chances and score.

“It was just about the perfect afternoon but we were disappointed we conceded a goal. I've seen it again and I don't think it was a penalty. It was very harsh but at least I didn't get a yellow card!

“After they got one back, Daniel killed the game off really well. For 75 minutes of that game we were very consistent, we were pressing and playing very good football. Overall it was a great performance.”

Victory completed a month to cherish for Lucas who has forced his way back into the Brazil squad and become a father for the second time. His wife Ariana recently gave birth to their daughter Valentina.

“It's been one of the best 10 days of my life,” he added. “I played for Brazil again, became a dad again, won with Liverpool and now I've received another call-up for the national team.

“After such a long period when I was fighting with injuries, this is payback. I am happy and hope it continues.

“Now we will recover and prepare for the Arsenal game. It will be a big test as they have been in terrific form. But we have shown already that we're capable of playing against anyone and we will go with a lot of confidence.”