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Liverpool preseason/July squad rankings: Who’s king?

By Tom Bogert

BASEL, SWITZERLAND - MAY 18: Daniel Sturridge (1st R) of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal with his team mates Roberto Firmino (1st L), Adam Lallana (2nd L) and Philippe Coutinho (2nd R) during the UEFA Europa League Final match between Liverpool and Sevilla at St. Jakob-Park on May 18, 2016 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND - MAY 18: Daniel Sturridge (1st R) of Liverpool celebrates scoring his team's first goal with his team mates Roberto Firmino (1st L), Adam Lallana (2nd L) and Philippe Coutinho (2nd R) during the UEFA Europa League Final match between Liverpool and Sevilla at St. Jakob-Park on May 18, 2016 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images) /
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BASEL, SWITZERLAND – MAY 18: Dejan Lovren of Liverpool during the UEFA Europa League Final match between Liverpool and Sevilla at St. Jakob-Park on May 18, 2016 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)
BASEL, SWITZERLAND – MAY 18: Dejan Lovren of Liverpool during the UEFA Europa League Final match between Liverpool and Sevilla at St. Jakob-Park on May 18, 2016 in Basel, Switzerland. (Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images) /

9. Dejan Lovren

Even before Mamadou Sakho picked up an injury and even before he was sent home from Liverpool’s preseason early with attitude issues, Lovren seemed to have the inside track to partner Matip in defense. His recovery then expansion in form has been fantastic and he’s molded into the leader and rock in defense that Liverpool thought they bought. Hey, all good things take time, right?

Lovren is a leader in the team, an important player and a top one. A partnership with Matip is a formidable spine, accentuated with Clyne to their right.

Back to Lovren’s face, though, how did he carry on after receiving a thunderpunch from Karius that broke his hand? Lovren is a warrior, he must be stepping into the vacated role from Martin Skrtel that he’ll lead the team in “HOLY S–T IS HE OKAY!?!?!” moments this season. Thoroughly looking forward to that.

Next: 8. Joel Matip

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