Liverpool midfielder Lucas Leiva admits he has been buoyed by Luis Suarez's decision to re-sign with the club.
The Uruguayan striker penned a long-term deal on Friday before scoring a double in the Reds' 3-1 win over Cardiff City on Saturday which prompted praise from his Brazilian teammate.
"What he is doing this season and what he has done in the past few seasons he deserved that (his new contract)," Lucas told LFC TV.
"We can see he is really comfortable playing here. It (the new deal) is a positive message because the owners and manager said they want to keep their best players and at the moment he is not only our best player but the best player in the league.
"Hopefully he will maintain this form for a long time for the club."
