Why Dejan Lovren is a capable partner for Virgil van Dijk

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Roopa Vyas explains why Dejan Lovren is a capable partner for Virgil van Dijk as the 2018/19 season grows ever closer.

Dejan Lovren had a rollercoaster of a season last time out, with incredible highs and the lowest of lows, but it could possibly have been his best season so far.

His somewhat bleak first half of the season was quickly put behind him after the £75m signing of Virgil van Dijk in January. The Dutchman brought a greater sense of calm, organisation and leadership to the backline and Lovren has certainly benefitted from the presence of the former Southampton man alongside him.

Lovren quickly formed a formidable centre-half partnership with van Dijk and the statistics show how well they work together. Prior to the Dutchman’s arrival 28 goals had been leaked in 23 Premier League game – only 10 were conceded in the 15 that followed.

It’s clear to see the leadership and composure van Dijk offers to the team and it radiates through the team, however, Lovren has also displayed the qualities he offers to make him a worthy partner in the backline. The Croatian has talked about how he felt more confident with van Dijk beside him and the pair was particularly effective against Manchester City in the two legs of the Champions League quarter-final, controlling a sharp attack with quiet effectiveness.

Van Dijk came to Liverpool with the pressure of being the world’s most expensive defender but has been able to handle anything thrown at him this season. Both centre-backs produced excellent performances in the Champions League final, keeping Cristiano Ronaldo quiet throughout.

Dejan Lovren went from a Champions League final to representing his country in a World Cup final. It has been quite a year for the centre-back.

He was dragged off after just half an hour against Tottenham Hotspur last October in what was described as “one of the most calamitous showings in Liverpool history”. By December, he was permanently back in the fold at Anfield alongside his new Dutch partner.

Lovren was immense in the Champions League final, putting in work at both ends of the pitch with an assist for Mané’s first-half equaliser while ensuring that Cristiano Ronaldo was kept quiet for the 90 minutes. A month and a half later, he helped Croatia reach the World Cup final and came face to face with Harry Kane again.

He produced a dominant performance and went on to proclaim himself as “one of the greatest defenders in the world”.

There may have been a smidge of overconfidence about him then, but he has every right to celebrate his season. To come back from heartbreaking lows to cap off his season with a World Cup runners-up medal is a great achievement and Lovren has definitely shown his capability of partnering van Dijk.