Dejan Lovren’s Champions League final display shows Liverpool don’t need another defender

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There weren’t many positives for Liverpool to take from Saturday night’s Champions League defeat to Real Madrid. Falling at the final hurdle was painful, particularly with the manner in which it came for the Reds, but one man enjoyed arguably his finest night in a Liverpool shirt: Dejan Lovren.

The much maligned Croatian has been slammed from pillar to post throughout his Anfield career with every transfer window seeing fresh calls for him to be replaced. Yet Jurgen Klopp has kept the faith with him, making him his first choice to partner Virgil Van Dijk in central defence, and in Kiev he repaid that faith.

Right from the off, Lovren had work to do as he covered for Trent Alexander-Arnold as he burst forward, with Lovren looking like a world-beater as he marshaled Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, keeping their impact to the bare minimum.

In the second half, he made a crucial contribution as it was his header from James Milner’s corner which teed up Sadio Mane to poke in from a few yards out and equalise, giving the travelling Kop hope of a comeback.

Another was almost equally as important as he produced arguably the best challenge of the match, diving in to nip the ball off of Gareth Bale’s toes as he looked to secure a hat-trick in the closing stages.

Winning all of his aerial challenges and all of his tackles, the signs of nerves and calamity that he has previously displayed on big occasions were long gone. Lovren looked composed, strong and focused just when his team needed him most.

Few will argue that Jurgen Klopp does not need to move to make defensive signings this summer, given that even with Joel Matip returning, there are effectively only three centre-backs at the club, but Lovren’s display in Kiev showed that whoever joins won’t be a first-team regular.

Adding depth is key to the Reds’ business plans this summer, in all departments, and if Liverpool can add a growing talent at a cheaper price rather than breaking the bank for a first team regular, it could be a major boost.