5 unlikely players driving Liverpool's top four challenge in 2017

#3 Lucas Leiva

Lucas Leiva (right) is using all his experience in guiding Liverpool to a top four finish

Lucas Leiva is a player who has managed to survive despite managerial changes and transfer of other players. The fact that he is no longer the same player of six years ago means fans want to see him leave, although his commitment to the club is unquestionable. Even in January, despite having offers from various clubs including Inter Milan, he stayed back because Klopp wanted him as a backup.

When Adam Lallana got injured in the international break last month, Lucas was called into the side and he has started in all three games since then. The Brazilian was outstanding against the pace and power of Everton and the physical threat of Stoke and West Brom in spite of not being too tall or strong. His experience of a decade at the club is serving him well as he is putting in a shift every game and has a Whoscored.com average of 8 for the last three.

Further, he has picked up two assists as well in the last three games, which is more than the number of assists he had over the previous four seasons. So, not only is Lucas sitting in front of the defence, breaking up play and winning duels, but he is creating goals at the other end as well.

Lucas is delivering when the manager needs it the most in what could be his last season at the club. But then, with the Brazilian, you never know as he can very easily continue as an experienced backup for a couple more seasons.