Lucas on Woodburn and the tragedy of Chapecoense

Liverpool's League Cup Quarter Final captain, Lucas Leiva, has backed Ben Woodburn to become a 'big player' for Liverpool in the future.

The 17 year old from Cheshire, who represents Wales at youth international level, made his second LFC substitute appearance in 3 days and scored his first Liverpool goal - breaking a record held for nearly 20 years - to be come Liverpool's youngest goalscorer.

He is 98 days younger than Michael Owen was when he grabbed his first Liverpool goal.

Liverpool 2-0 Leeds

Lucas, speaking after the game to Liverpool FC, praised the youngster:

He came on in the last game for just a few minutes, but against Leeds he got a good run and just showed his quality.

"It was a good goal, good finishing and now he just needs to keep going.

“He's still very young and there is still a lot to learn but he is a good boy and for sure he can go on to be a big player for Liverpool in the future.”

The reds have now reached a record 17 semi finals in the League Cup, and it's the third consecutive season the reds have reached the last 4.

Victory over the two legs of the semi final would mean Jurgen Klopp has steered the reds to three finals in four competitions entered.

Lucas added:

“We want to get to the final again and hopefully win it this time. We still have two games in the semi-final and we’re coming into a busy period with a lot of games, so we will need everyone.

“Last year we came very close and against Leeds we showed not only that the squad is very strong, but also that we’re keen to win something, so congratulations to everyone.

After yesterday's tragic events in Colombia, in which Brazilian football club Chapecoense were involved in a fatal airline accident, Lucas had asked the Liverpool boss if he could wear a black armband in the game.  The Liverpool manager had responded by telling Lucas that every player would.

There was a minute's silence held ahead of kick off in respect of the disaster.

Lucas admitted it had been a tough day as he thought about his colleagues.

“It’s a very sad day. I had people that I played with (on the plane) and there were some young players with brilliant futures ahead of them.

“It’s just a sad day. I tried to stay away from the news in the afternoon to focus on the game because it is really hard and it was the only thing people were talking about. We just hope the families are getting the support there and the victims rest in peace – that’s all we want.”

The draw for the League Cup semi finals will be made tonight.

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