Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has backed Dejan Lovren's claims he is among the world's best defenders.
The Croatia international made the bullish statement after helping to knock England out of the World Cup at the semi-final stage.
Asked if he agreed with Lovren, Klopp said: "Yes. It would be better if somebody else would say that and not Dejan! But actually he's right.
“People don't think about that, but if you go into detail it's not a big surprise that Croatia are where they are. They don't have world class full-backs, but in the end they don't concede.
"They are offensive in the midfield with Rakitic, Brozovic, Modric, so somebody needs to fix all that. Dejan is a big part of that.
“He was for us in the Champions League final, two years ago he was in the Europa League final, yes he didn't win that. In the Champions League final, I didn't see two better centre-halves than him – only more ruthless. That's the thing.
“For me it's no surprise. He played a really good World Cup, but to do it consistently is more important. We will work together for a long time, so I will have the opportunity to help him. Next time I will say it!"
