Dejan Lovren might now be Liverpool’s fourth-choice centre-back

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Last summer, Liverpool defender Dejan Lovren’s stock was perhaps at it’s highest ever point. The Croatian had just helped his nation to a World Cup semi-final and he had enjoyed a decent end to the season with Jurgen Klopp’s men, culminating in a Champions’ League final.

It was this run of form and consistency that saw him demand a little more respect. He told beIN Sports, as relayed by Sky Sports, after helping to dump England out of the World Cup just how he felt he should be recognised.

“I showed that I took Liverpool to the Champions League final and now with my national team we are in the final.

“I think people should recognise that I’m one of the best defenders in the world and not just talk nonsense I will say.”

Less than a year later and Lovren has certainly had a change in fortunes.

He came from the World Cup injured and Joe Gomez took his place in the Liverpool side with aplomb. When the Englishman got injured, Joel Matip was called upon. The Cameroonian has since improved immensely alongside the imperious Virgil van Dijk – probably the best centre-back in the world.

With Matip looking more than capable, Gomez a bright young spark and Van Dijk irreplaceable, Lovren might have gone from demanding respect to fourth-choice centre-back at his club.

It is great news for Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, who has a fine selection of defenders to choose from, but Lovren will be left wishing for some of that summer feeling yet again.