Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles named PFA Fans Player of the Year

Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles has been named as the PFA Fans Player of the Year 2010-2011, following an impressive debut season in England.

Meireles arrived at Anfield last summer when he was bought by then Reds manager Roy Hodgson for £11.5 million from FC Porto

The Portuguese international initially struggled as he adapted to the English game and Liverpool’s style of play, but following the departure of Hodgson - and the arrival of Kenny Dalglish - his form improved and has since scored five goals during the Scot's tenure

The absence of Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard through injury has highlighted Meireles' importance to the team, and Dalglish admits he is delighted with the midfielder's contribution

"Raul has always had the ability he has shown recently," Dalglish told the club's official website

"Maybe he's settled down a little bit and is more comfortable and confident because he is playing well but there's been nothing drastic [tactically] for any of the players really.

"It is fantastic to see Raul doing so well. He has always been a talented footballer, he's always had what we are seeing now but it's been trying to get it out and it is coming out now and he's scoring goals."

By Simon Sinclair

Lucas: Liverpool are now more united under Dalglish

Lucas has hailed his Liverpool boss Kenny Dalglish – revealing the Scot has transformed the atmosphere in the club’s dressing room.

The Reds have claimed 25 points from a possible 39 since Dalglish took over from Roy Hodgson in January and Lucas say life at Anfield is much better with the club legend in charge

“Kenny has been really important for me because he’s given me a lot of confidence,” added the Brazilian. “He’s manager that doesn’t say a lot but when he does say something it’s spot-on.

“The atmosphere in the dressing room is very good. We didn’t have before the atmosphere that we have now in the dressing room. All the players are really together and really looking forward to the future. The only way we will change things if we are together

“Kenny is the key to keeping everyone together. One of the things I really like about Kenny is he treats everyone the same. It doesn’t matter if you are young or a senior player, everyone has the same importance in the club and it gives everyone a big lift

“We’re more united. The relationship is not just professional, we have become more friends than before and it’s helped a lot on the pitch. When you like your team-mates you try to help him a lot and that’s that we are doing. This period has been really good.”

Liverpool’s turnaround in form has seen them move up to sixth, five points behind Tottenham, and Lucas has now set his sights on overhauling Harry Redknapp’s men

“We are still trying to catch fifth place,” he said, ahead of this weekend’s clash with Birmingham at Anfield. “We know how difficult it will be but we have to make sure we win our games and then see what happens.

 “At this moment it is very difficult because Spurs still have a game and are five points ahead but they have difficult games to play and we play against them. We have to make sure we win our games. We’re delighted to be in a comfortable position but we have to fight and believe