EPL Transfers XI: Best buys of the summer so far

#3 Centre Back: Dejan Lovren

Southampton have experienced a massive exodus of first team players seeking newer pastures. Dejan Lovren will surely be a huge miss for the Saints. Liverpool signed the 25-year-old Croat for a fee of €25.3 million after prolonged negotiations. Lovren brings much needed solidity to a Liverpool side which was rather susceptible at the back last season.

Lovren had a brilliant season with an impressive Southampton side. He scored 2 goals and provided an assist last season. He has a superb knack for making interceptions, averaging almost 3 interceptions per game. He can easily fit into Liverpool’s side. Brendan Rodgers side play a high pressing game leaving them vulnerable to sudden long balls and maintaining the offside line can be pivotal in such situations. Lovren is an expert at holding the defensive line together and won more offsides per game than anyone else in the Barclays Premier League.

Rodgers likes his defenders to pass the ball well. Lovren has a decent pass percentage of 82% despite making almost 6 long passes per game. He is exactly the sort of defender that can make Liverpool’s defence hard to beat.

Buy the new 2014/15 kits here