Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has hailed his central defensive partner Dejan Lovren.

Lovren endured a very difficult first season at Liverpool last term but the defender has begun the current campaign in fine fashion, helping the Reds to three consecutive clean sheets.

Lovren was once again on top form during the 0-0 draw against Arsenal on Monday night and now Skrtel has gone on to praise his central defensive partnership with the Croatian international.

Skrtel said: "We attack together and we defend together. The way we finished last season wasn't right, especially with what happened in the last two matches.

"This season we spoke with each other and said we had to start better. We've done that so far with seven points out of nine but this game is gone now. We need to start preparing for West Ham at home on Saturday."