"I said in my pre-match notes that Lucas has been best player in pre-season. He showed why again today. He is really focused, working hard and is showing quality," said Benitez.
"He knows Aquilani will need time. When we decided to bring in Aquilani we knew he would be out for one month or so, so we analysed the squad and we think that with Mascherano, Lucas, Gerrard and Plessis we have enough."