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Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson has revealed which of his teammates sets the standard for professionalism and attitude at Anfield – Brazilian Lucas Leiva.

Lucas, the longest-serving Liverpool player currently at the club, has found starts hard to come by in the Premier League this season and has received criticism for some of his performances.

But he looked back to his best with a confident display in the Merseyside derby and Henderson is full of praise for the 30-year-old in his programme notes for tonight’s game against Bournemouth.

Henderson wrote: “Any person joining Liverpool Football Club, regardless of age, status or experience, who is looking for a role model or an example to follow then, for me, you look no further than Lucas Leiva.

“Watching the Merseyside derby at the weekend, it was a reminder to everyone why he has been, and continues to be, so valuable to this club. In simple terms he sets the standard of professionalism and attitude of what it is to be a Liverpool player.”

Lucas joined Liverpool from Brazilian club side Gremio for £5 million in 2007.

He has gone on to serve a decade at the club and make 339 appearances.

He is a popular figure among the squad and is often credited with helping South American players settle in at Anfield.

But Henderson said his influence goes much further than that.

The captain said: “In the dressing room there is no-one who is respected or admired more.

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“I think from the outside he is often portrayed as being the ‘go-to person’ for our lads from his own country of Brazil or any Spanish or Portuguese-speaking players who join Liverpool.

“But that does him a massive disservice.

“It doesn’t even scratch the surface of his influence.

“I came from the north east and the help and support he gave me initially and still gives me to this day is massive.

“It doesn’t matter to Lucas whether you’re from Runcorn or Rio, he’ll make time for you and look to offer his experience to help individuals or the team when it’s needed.”

Lucas has received mixed reviews for his performances this season, in which he has made 14 starts.

He has been used at centre-back on occasions and struggled in a recent start at Leicester City, where his inability to handle Jamie Vardy contributed to the Reds’ defeat.

But he looked more at home in the centre of midfield alongside Emre Can and Gini Wijnaldum against Everton on Saturday.

With Henderson still injured, it is likely Lucas will start tonight but his captain is certain of the positive approach his understudy will bring to the game.

Henderson said: “I think his performance on Saturday sums him up: it doesn’t matter to him whether it’s Plymouth away in a cold January or a full house at Anfield in the sunshine for a Merseyside derby – he is always on it.

“Minimum fuss, but the sort of performance his teammates will appreciate so much.

“That’s such an important example to set for anyone playing for this club.

“After 10 years here, he of course knows what the derby is all about – and let me tell you, he loves them – and he used that experience and knowledge right from the first minute to help control the midfield along with Emre and Gini.”