Rafael Benitez has launched a passionate defence of Lucas Leiva, the Brazilian youngster, as he prepares for tomorrow's final Champions League group game in Eindhoven.

The 21-year-old has his critics among Liverpool fans, some of whom gave the midfielder a rough time last month in the frustrating 0-0 draw with Fulham. Many within the Anfield hierarchy were surprised to hear supporters booing one of their own players, and Benitez's reaction was to leave Lucas on the pitch for the full 90 minutes, ignoring the clamour to replace him.

Since then it is understood that Benitez had to listen to further attacks on the £5million signing when he attended a charity dinner last week in Liverpool with assistant manager Sammy Lee. Lucas and Robbie Keane were singled out for criticism during a question and answer session at the dinner involving several TV pundits and fans.

"People just don't know how good Lucas is," he said. "He is a fantastic player, he was captain of his club side at 19 and has already won full caps with Brazil. Not just any country, but Brazil. He has captained their Under-21s and their Olympic team.

"He has a very good mentality. When you talk of Brazilian players you know they are skilful with ability. But Lucas is a worker and has a very good approach. He can tackle, he can pass the ball and he can win in the air. He is still a very young player learning to live in a different country.

"It is not easy for him to get into the team, considering the quality of the opposition he has to face in that department at Anfield.

"He is competing against Javier Mascherano, the captain of Argentina and against one of the best players in the world, Steven Gerrard, who has also captained his country. And then there is Xabi Alonso, who is now a European champion for club and country.

"That shows how difficult it is for a young player to compete with them, and it shows the quality in our midfield."

Liverpool have already qualified for the last 16 with their only objective now being to finish top of the group ahead of Atletico Madrid. With Fernando Torres still out with a hamstring injury, Robbie Keane looks certain to start tomorrow while Daniel Agger will return after being rested at Blackburn.