Liverpool Loving Lovren

The emphasis on Liverpool’s transfer dealings since the sale of Luis Suarez has mostly been on attacking players.  Players such as Markovic, Lambert, Lallana, and Origi have been purchased by the Reds, but arguably the most important signing of the summer has been Dejan Lovren from Southampton.  

Aside from Raheem Sterling, Lovren was Liverpools best player today.  The Serb was active on both sides of the ball, turning possession into chances with his confident long-range passing, while commanding the defensive third with his leadership and tenacity.  

Liverpool’s opening weekend triumph was largely unconvincing, with the visiting Saints dominating a respectable amount of play at Anfield.  Southampton had several chances to lead and level in the second half, but had Lovren not been on the field for Liverpool, the result would have been different.  

The 20 million pound signing from Southampton made quite the impression on fans and critics alike in his premier league debut for his new club, immediately taking up a leadership role that was left vacant by the now-retired Jamie Carragher.  He was constantly putting himself in positions to make key interceptions and tackles, while acting as a competent leader alongside Martin Skrtel.  

Last season, Liverpool lacked serious leadership in the back line.  Kolo Toure, the most experienced of the lot, didn’t see the field very often, and made the odd regrettable gaffe from time to time.  Mamadou Sakho is still adapting to the speed and relentlessness of the league, while Daniel Agger has since been pushed into an almost exclusively reserved role.  

Skrtel is an excellent defender, but he lacks the leadership and tactical discipline to lead the Liverpool defense.  He has a knack for scoring huge goals, most notably notching a double against Arsenal in a rout of the North Londoners last season.  However, Skrtels emotional approach hurt Liverpool in the long run last year.  The Reds saw too many late goals conceded, clearly lacking a dominative presence on the field.   

The draw with Crystal Palace late in the season was particularly painful for Liverpool fans, but Lovren brings a new dimension to the defense at Anfield.  If anything, Brendan Rodgers needed defensive solidity.  I expect to see Emre Can start alongside Steven Gerrard sooner rather than later, but Dejan Lovren looks like he is there to stay in the starting lineup.