Brendan Rodgers: ‘Commanding’ Dejan Lovren an important Liverpool signing
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers hails Dejan Lovren as an important signing after sealing £20m switch from Southampton
Brendan Rodgers has hailed Dejan Lovren as an “important signing” after the Southampton defender completed his £20m move to Liverpool.
The 25-year-old has put pen to paper on a long-term deal with the 18-time English champions after months of speculation linking the centre-half with a switch to Anfield.
He is a commanding and powerful presence and clearly has leadership skills, which is important; he fits the profile of player we are looking for
Brendan Rodgers
Rodgers has already signed four players this summer, but Lovren marks the first defensive recruit of the current transfer window as the Liverpool boss addresses his defence.
And the 41-year-old Northern Irishman talked up Lovren’s qualities after the Croatia international’s impressive debut Premier League campaign at Southampton.
“This is a very important signing for us and I’m delighted it’s completed so Dejan can join up with us on our US tour,” Rodgers told Liverpool’s website.
“He is a commanding and powerful presence and clearly has leadership skills, which is important; he fits the profile of player we are looking for.
“He is still relatively young, so his peak years are ahead of him and I believe he will improve and progress even further with us.
“I’m looking forward to him arriving and working with us as we continue our preparations for the new season.”
Lovren scored two goals and made one assist in 32 Premier League appearances for Southampton last season.