Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has welcomed the new season form of Dejan Lovren.

Lovren has turned in three solid performances at the outset of 2015-16 to help the Reds navigate 270 minutes of football without conceding a goal.

Rodgers told liverpoolfc.com: “Like a lot of players, it was difficult in the first year coming in. There was a lack of stability in the overall group. It was a case of reassuring him that he's still a top-quality player.

“What has really helped him has been the full-backs on either side – how quickly they close the game when we lose the ball, that transition, either to get the ball back or close the space.

“You saw examples from the other night. When the pitch was open we tried to play and when the game breaks down, how quickly it's closed.

“[Nathaniel] Clyne and [Joe] Gomez on the sides really help the centre-halves.

“For him, he's much more patient in his game. He has got the stability of playing. He is now in the team and he's in the team because he had a good pre-season.

“He's in good condition fitness-wise and you're seeing someone that is focused but a little bit more relaxed in his position."