Dejan Lovren stepped up for Liverpool as they beat Manchester City.
Dejan Lovren has been a much maligned figure during his Liverpool spell, but last night he really stepped up.
Forgotten were his atrocious Premier League performances against Tottenham and Manchester United.
His performance in the Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City could change opinions.
Instead of the blundering error prone liability he has been previously, Lovren was in control at all times.
Lovren was calm, focused, and measured against City as his partnership with Virgil van Dijk blunted City’s normally prolific attack.
City did not manage a shot on target during their loss, with Liverpool’s dynamic attack leaving Pep Guardiola’s side shell shocked.
Liverpool cruised to a 3-0 win, and Lovren had surprisingly little to do.
He made no tackles and just one interception, and four clearances, but was steady in possession, completing 81 per cent of his passes.
After Joel Matip underwent surgery on a thigh injury, fans had been concerned about Lovren playing a more prominent role.
Last night he allayed fears, and while he must follow it up in the second leg with a repeat, his efforts at Anfield offer real encouragement.
Here is a look at how Liverpool fans reacted on Twitter to his performance…
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