Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has hailed the performance of Dejan Lovren following the team's 4-0 friendly win over Borussia Dortmund.

The summer signing from Southampton made his home debut for the Reds on Sunday as they earned a comfortable victory in their final pre-season game of the summer.

Rodgers believes that Lovren's display in the heart of the defence has provided plenty of encouragement ahead of the new Premier League campaign.

"Dejan was perfect - he's what we've been looking for since Jamie Carragher left. He's a very dominant centre-half," he is quoted as saying by the club's official website.

"He'll go and attack the ball, reads the game incredibly well and you can see his leadership qualities with his talking and guidance of the back four."

Liverpool start the Premier League season next Sunday when they welcome Southampton to Anfield.