Football: Lucas's key role in crucial week; FAN SCENE.

Byline: SAM JOHNSTONE

IT'S a big week for Liverpool, and Rafa seems to have the lads playing to their best.

The focus may be on the two games next week, but first we have to deal with a Reading side that is tough, obstinate and not afraid to through caution to the wind now and again.

We should be able to get a result there, though, as we are playing some great stuff at the moment.

The most pleasing aspect has been the vindication of the managers rotation policy, with squad players giving their all for the cause.

With the amount of first team injuries we've had, this has been very pleasing, and the likes of Lucas, Jack Hobbs and the returning Harry Kewell can all be proud of their contributions during the purple patch of the last few weeks.

I like Lucas a lot. He may be the skipper's heir apparent - not that Stevie hasn't got a good decade left in his boots - but for me he combines the best aspects of both Gerrard and Alonso.

He can tackle, put his foot on the ball and pick out a pass with nearly the same class as Xabi, but he's also adept at coming forward and sliding a delicate ball onto the forwards. A complete midfielder? Only time will tell, but he's settled in well now that he is used to the pace in England, and I'm looking forward to seeing more of the Brazilian in the years to come.

Jack Hobbs has been talked about as Sami's eventual replacement for a while now, and given that his debut was largely ineffective, there was some thought that this comparison was, at best, kind. His appearance for Jamie Carragher against Bolton showed, though, that he looks the part even at his tender age. He'll get a few more games this campaign, I'm sure, and that can only aid his development.

With Sami Hyypia, Carra and Daniel Agger alongside him, you know he'll pick up some good tuition.

It shows that we can bring the Academy graduates through the system to the first team and they won't let us down. With the likes of Insua, Guthrie (who has been superb at Bolton on loan), Anderson and Hobbs looking to make the breakthrough, Rafa must be chuffed with the changes at Kirkby.

Harry Kewell is no spring chicken, and with a maximumspeed of just about faster than walking, many have written Harry off at Anfield, including me.

He bounces back, though, and it's been great to see him back on the field and still as skilful as ever. His pace will improve (I hope), but his contribution to the teamrecently has been based around his ability rather than his speed.

The Bolton game was great for Kewell as he had the time to pick out the options and drift inside which is where he can really punish the opposition.

We can only pray that his injury woes are behind him, because on this formthe Aussie looks to be crucial to the teamthis term.

Rafa can safely rotate and still get top-drawer performances from his squad, and with the important games coming thick and fast this is hugely important.

Crisis at Anfield? On your bike!

CAPTION(S):

Liverpool's Lucas (left) has impressed; Rafael Benitez