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Lucas Leiva has praised Jurgen Klopp for giving him “new energy” with the midfielder enjoying one of the best times of his Liverpool career.

Lucas is the current squad’s longest-serving player having joined in the summer of 2007 from Gremio, with Klopp the fifth manager he has worked under at Anfield.

The Brazilian has featured in all seven games since the arrival of the new boss, starting all four Premier League games.

And the 28-year-old said: “The arrival of Klopp has given me a new energy. He shows he has enough confidence in me.

“Since he has arrived, we’ve had seven games in four weeks. It’s a high number, but he has managed to give the team a different face.

“I have learned a lot from him. He is very demanding, but has clear ideas about football. I have gotten along well with him in the first month.

“He is a pretty straightforward guy, as I imagined from knowing German culture, but he is open too.

“I feel close (to him), knowing he is the boss.”

Lucas was seemingly on his way out of the club in August until then-manager Brendan Rodgers had a change of heart and gave him a starting role in the goalless draw at Arsenal.

His Anfield career enjoyed a new highlight last week when, for the first time, he was named captain for a Premier League game for the visit of Crystal Palace.

“Jordan Henderson and James Milner were not playing, so I took the captain’s armband,” said Lucas, speaking to Globo Esporte of Brazil.

“It was a very special moment for me. I’ve been at Liverpool many years so I know how important it is to be captain of Liverpool.

“Unfortunately the result (against Palace) wasn’t the best, but it was still a special moment.

“I’ve had great times at the club, but this has really been one of my best phases of my years at Liverpool.

“I’ve been here many years and managed to get the respect of the fans, but in the beginning it was very complicated.

“I had a very difficult start and really had to change people’s opinions. I wasn’t prepared. But I had the willpower, and had coaches that helped me evolve.

“I identify very strongly with Liverpool now, and I’m in my ninth season.”