---
title: "Can Lovren help Liverpool to perform miracles in the same way Croatia did?"
canonical: "https://readliverpoolfc.com/articles/can-lovren-help-liverpool-to-perform-miracles-in-the-same-way-croatia-did/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Ste Hoare"
section: "Articles"
published: "2018-08-21T10:39:37Z"
modified: "2018-08-21T10:39:37Z"
---

# Can Lovren help Liverpool to perform miracles in the same way Croatia did?

Croatia were the surprise package of the 2018 World Cup, battling through three knock-out matches of 120 minutes to reach a final against France, in which they were finally beaten. The success of the Croatian team was largely built on an experienced midfield and the domineering presence of Domagoj Vida and Dejan Lovren in defence. In this article we examine whether or not Lovren can transfer his World Cup form to Anfield this term.

**How did Lovren excel in Russia?**

The Croatian team were the epitome of dogged determination in Russia, shown by their resolve to prevail in three matches which went to extra-time and penalties. The team adopted a siege mentality [and Lovren personified that approach](https://www.mykhel.com/football/fifa-world-cup-2018-croatia-dejan-lovren-p38454-tp535-l4/).

The Liverpool man set about proving his English critics wrong and put his body on the line in every challenge he made. None more so than when facing England in the semi-finals, when he finally managed to get one over on Tottenham forward Harry Kane.

At times during Lovren’s time in the north-west, he has looked shorn of confidence, and has often erred on the side of caution rather than committing himself. Lovren’s renewed self-confidence and resolve will be needed in the coming months for Liverpool. Lovren looked as though he thrived under the tag of underdog, there certainly [weren’t many people who saw Croatia excelling in Russia](https://www.888sport.com/blog/world-cup-survey), perhaps the same could be said of Liverpool this season.

**Mentality**

A low head and hunched shoulders are the first signs of disinterest and lacking confidence in a footballer, characteristics that Lovren has shown on multiple occasions during his time with Liverpool. However, the Liverpool centre-back showed his mental resolve when Croatia beat England in the semi-finals [and had this to say after the match](https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/world-cup/england-vs-croatia-world-cup-2018-final-vs-france-dejan-lovren-best-in-world-a8443916.html);

*“Before this game they said we are tired but we showed in extra-time we had fresher legs than them. Simple as that. Not just the English press, I am saying from the beginning. It is just sometimes it is unfair. Like in my case when you are talking about me.*

*“I think people should respect me also. But from today everyone in Croatia and around the world thinks that we managed to make history today. It is special history when you look back and see three times, 120 minutes and we had fresher legs than that England team.*

*“The difference was mental. Mentally. Because we knew we could write history today and we did it. Now there is only one game left to make it forever.*

*“But I think even now after 20 years people will remember us and not just the ’98 team. This is what I wanted. This is why I am proud. You deserve this.*

*“It feels incredible, especially after everything that was said about us before the game. We showed our character we showed that we deserved to be in the final and people should respect us.*

**How can Lovren benefit Liverpool**

Many pundits are lauding Liverpool for their close season purchases, backing up their defensive, goalkeeping and midfield options. The addition [of Fabinho to the ranks will offer](https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/sport/football/football-news/fabinho-can-better-liverpool-signing-15009073) Van Dijk and Lovren more cover, but the Croatian centre-back must demonstrate his newly found mental fortitude in order to prove the doubters wrong at Anfield.