Dejan Lovren was hauled off by boss Jurgen Klopp just 31 minutes into Liverpool's clash with Tottenham
Monday, October 23, 2017
Graeme Souness claims Dejan Lovren 'looked in awe of Harry Kane' after the Liverpool defender's Wembley nightmare.
Lovren was hauled off by boss Jurgen Klopp just 31 minutes into his side's clash with Tottenham on Sunday after he failed to get to grips with Kane and made two poor errors which led to goals for the home side.
MATCH REPORT – Tottenham 4-1 Liverpool: Kane scores two goals and Lovren has a nightmare
After the 4-1 defeat, Klopp claimed he could have defended better in trainers and Souness was equally damning about the Croatian's performance when he spoke to talkSPORT on Monday morning.
The Merseyside club's legendary former player and manager told the Sports Breakfast: “Lovren looked like he was in awe of Harry Kane.
"He tried to catch him in a cute way playing offside first and the second time he has tried to nick in front of him and head the ball.
"What would Tony Adams have done? If I am playing the game I am saying to Lovren, 'let him know how strong you are, let him feel your power'. Instead he is trying to be cute and clever."
Liverpool have struggled defensively throughout Klopp's two-year reign as manager.
Souness believes a new centre-back with leadership qualities is badly needed at Anfield and would welcome a fresh move for Southampton's Virgil van Dijk – a player Klopp has long pursued.
He added: "Obviously he was in for Van Dijk and, whoever gets him, he will improve them. I like him.
"One player can make a big difference. One dominant centre-half can make a difference. An organiser if you like. Someone who pushes and shoves his teammates around set-pieces and defensive situations."
