Liverpool defender Martin Skrtel has claimed that new signing Dejan Lovren will give the team some much-needed competition at the back this season.

Lovren and Skrtel played together for the first time on Sunday as the Reds hammered Borussia Dortmund 4-0 in their final friendly of the summer.

Skrtel expects the Croatian to provide the whole squad with a boost as they prepare for Sunday's Premier League opener against Lovren's former club Southampton.

"Dejan Lovren had great season with Southampton and I am really happy that he is with us," he is quoted as saying by Liverpool's official website.

"We all need competition because that is what keeps you motivated. He will make us stronger, so I really welcome his arrival - and it will only make me work harder."

Lovren scored two goals in 31 games for Southampton last season.