Rarely do Liverpool players warrant close attention after leaving the club, but Lucas Leiva is one of the exceptions.
Whilst there’s no problem in Reds having little interest in the Brazilian’s life after Anfield, those keen to remain up to date with Merseyside’s adopted Scouser are perfectly justified in doing so.
It’s impossible not to take note when the Kop favourite, who notoriously mustered a mere seven goals in 346 appearances for the club, is finding the net in Italy.
Lucas was on the scoresheet on Sunday as fifth-placed Lazio were held to a 1-1 draw at home to Bologna in Serie A.
The midfielder was at hand to supply a 16th minute equaliser in response to Simone Verdi’s opener after three minutes.
A burst into unfamiliar territory saw Lucas receive the ball inside the penalty area, before faking a shot to shift onto his right foot and find the far corner in expert fashion.
Goal Lazio. Goal Lucas Leiva.
Min 16. LAZ 1 – 1 BOL#LazioBologna#SerieApic.twitter.com/EPgFNcrbYT— sette (@ROSSONERl) March 18, 2018
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His composed finish followed up his header in the Europa League win over Dynamo Kyiv to make it two goals in two games.
He’s done it again! @LucasLeiva87 has scored more goals in 7 @EuropaLeague games for @OfficialSSLazio than he did in 247 @premierleague games for @LFC pic.twitter.com/UfLrid3qRm
— ITV Football (@itvfootball) March 16, 2018
Besides popping up with rare goals, Lucas is evidently and perhaps unsurprisingly flourishing in the Italian league.
The vigour in his approach appears well-suited to Lazio, not to mention his leadership and experience in a division that thrives on tactical discipline.
Reds will agree that it’s great to see him prospering in his new challenge.