Liverpool defender Joel Matip says this teammate was wonderful against Southampton

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Dejan Lovren appears to be a player reborn under Jurgen Klopp with the Croatian and the Cameroonian forming an effective partnership.

Liverpool defender Joel Matip has hailed the performance of centre-back partner Dejan Lovren as they combined to secure only their second clean sheet of the season, as reported by the club’s official website.

Jurgen Klopp’s side travelled to St Mary’s on the back of an exhilarating six-goal performance against Watford before the international break but, despite dominating on the South Coast, they failed to showcase the same clinical edge as they were held to a goalless draw.

However, while Liverpool have thrilled neutrals and fans alike with their buccaneering brand of attacking football this season, it is difficult to shake the feeling that their well-publicised Achilles heel could trip them up at the final hurdle akin to their capitulation in 2013/14.

Yet, a solid defensive display against Claude Puel’s hosts offered some hope that Liverpool could add an element of solidity to their spark, and Matip has lauded the performance of Lovren in the face of a hostile reception from the home fans.

“He did very well for the whole 95 minutes and played a wonderful game,” Matip said of the former Southampton centre-back, as reported by Liverpoolfc.com.

“He always helps me and he did well. For a defender it’s always good to have a clean sheet and not to concede a goal but we always want to win.”

Lovren was hooked at half-time after a nervy performance in the reverse fixture last season although it was his replacement Martin Skrtel who received most of the flak as a Sadio Mane-inspired Saints came from two down to secure a famous comeback win.

However, barring an awful touch which gifted James McArthur a goal against Crystal Palace recently, the Croatian international appears increasingly assured alongside Matip, with Klopp’s orthodox back-four appearing a much more natural habitat than the three-man defence employed by predecessor Brendan Rodgers.