Liverpool midfielder Lucas admits that Brazil team-mate David Luiz's explosive start to life in the Premier League has come as no surprise.
Luiz joined Chelsea in January from Benfica in a deal worth about £21.3 million and has since produced a number of stellar performances. The 23-year-old defender joined fellow Brazil international and former Benfica team-mate Ramires at Stamford Bridge, swelling the number of English-based players from the South American nation.
For years questions have been raised about whether Brazilians and fellow South Americans had the mentality to adapt and achieve in English football, but Lucas believes the current crop are helping dispel the myth.
"I've known David since I was maybe 19 years old and we used to play for the U-20s together," he said. "I am not surprised [with his impact]. I am really, really happy with the way he has arrived because I know how difficult it is to adapt in the Premier League. But he is already scoring a lot of goals and maybe people were not expecting this. And they have been important goals as well so I am happy with the way he is playing.
I've known David since I was maybe 19 years old and we used to play for the U-20s together. I am not surprised [with his impact].
Lucas on David Luiz
"Ramires is also doing really well and we are happy because I know how difficult it is for a Brazilian player to come to the Premier League and do well. Hopefully more Brazilians will come and help teams in the Premier League."
While Luiz has defended with steel and scored freely since his big money move in January, fellow new signing Fernando Torres has struggled to adapt to life at Chelsea. Much has been spoken about the Spain international since his £50 million January move to the Blues and his subsequent inability to find the back of the net for his new club.
Former team-mate Lucas admits he has spoken to Luiz and Ramires about his former Liverpool team-mate and backed him to hit top form sooner rather than later. "We know it was a big change for him," he said. "He did really well for Liverpool and scored a lot of goals. I think as soon as he scores the first goal he will shine the same as he did at Liverpool."
Backing for Carroll
Torres' departure paved the way for Reds manager Kenny Dalglish to head out on spending splurge, which saw Ajax striker Luis Suarez and Newcastle United frontman Andy Carroll arrive at Anfield. The latter raised more than a couple of eyebrows due in no small part to the £35 million fee, but Lucas has backed the 22-year-old to shine with club and country.
Asked whether Carroll deserves an England start against Wales, the midfielder said: "I think so, he deserves it. Everything he is doing is great. We know he has been out for a few months but we already know from the last few games he could play really well. Now he is getting his fitness back he will shine for England, I am sure."
Lucas, meanwhile, will be hoping for a starting berth of his own as Brazil prepare to face Scotland in a friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday. Mano Menezes' side come into the match on the back of two defeats but the Liverpool man believes the future is bright for A Selecao.
"The new manager is trying to give opportunities to the young players and trying to build a new team so a lot of new faces are here," he added. "But we just have to take the opportunity to try and be in the squad all the time and look to the Copa America."