Dejan Lovren believes there is no limit to what this Liverpool side can achieve, thanks to the abundance of young, exciting talents within the ranks.
Much was expected of Brendan Rodgers’ men this season, although they initially struggled to adapt to life without star turn Luis Suarez. Since December, though, the Reds have improved apace and on Sunday moved within two points of the top-four, thanks to a seventh win during a 10-match unbeaten run in the Premier League.
Philippe Coutinho and Raheem Sterling secured what could prove a vital 2-0 victory against Southampton – the kind of display which highlighted to Lovren the young squad’s potential.
“We have massive, massive talent and we can just go higher and higher because everyone is so young,” the 25-year-old defender said. “With the talent and young (players), I think we can achieve whatever we want, whatever we imagine.
“We just need to work hard and give our best on the pitch.”
The average age of Liverpool’s line-up at St Mary’s was 23.4 years – the youngest in this Premier League this season, according to Transfermarkt.
From 19-year-old Jordan Ibe to Martin Skrtel, the only starter in their thirties, it was a solid team display in difficult conditions at Southampton as wind and rain battered the pitch.
Lovren, like Adam Lallana, also had to handle the attention of the St Mary’s crowd, who let them know in no uncertain terms their dissatisfaction at their summer exits.
“It was an amazing win,” Lovren told LFCTV. “It was a tough game for us and we knew when we arrived here that it would be difficult for us.
“It’s a massive three points for us, now we’re a step closer to the top so we need to continue like this. I think we did a great job.
“Of course, it was a special moment to play against my ex-team – especially after the win, I’m more happy.”
The victory was not without controversy, though, as referee Kevin Friend made a string of poor calls, with Filip Djuricic twice taken down in the box before Lovren handled late in the first half.
“I am not sure for all three (penalty claims),” Lovren said. “I know for mine when I touched the ball with the hand, I know it was too close. It was a deflection so I couldn’t react and I don’t think it was a penalty.
“For the first two, I am not sure – I didn’t see. I was a little bit far away. I think at the end I think the referee was doing a great job.”
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