Dejan Lovren has had a very successful few months.The Croatian defender was a key cog in a Liverpool side that managed to defy the odds and reach the Champions League final last season.He then added to his reputation further by featuring in Croatia's run to the World Cup final.Although both campaigns would end in disappointment, the 27-year-old thought his success means he merited being recognised as one of the best defenders in the world."It's something special for me," Lovren said after reaching the World Cup final, per Sky Sports. "From my point of view, people were saying I had a difficult season but I don't agree with that."I showed that I took Liverpool to the Champions League final and now with my national team we are in the final."I think people should recognise that I'm one of the best defenders in the world and not just talk nonsense I will say."It was a very bold claim, and one which the whole of the footballing world will not forget in a hurry.Lovren has now returned to Liverpool training after his break following the World Cup.And, of course, his comments in the World Cup were always going to be brought up.With Mohamed Salah filming, Virgil van Dijk can be heard saying to Lovren: "the best defender in the world."

That seemed to go down well with Salah, who reacted with a laugh. Quality stuff.

Jurgen Klopp also took the time to address Lovren's comments this summer, stating he was right to say it.

“It would be better if someone else said that and not Dejan, but actually he is right,” said Klopp earlier this summer, per the Telegraph.

“The only problem is no-one actually thinks about it but if you go into the detail it is not a big surprise. Croatia do not have world class right-back and left-back, but they do not concede.

"In the middle of the park Rakitic and Modric are offensive, so somebody must fix all that and he is a big part of it.

“He was with us in the Champions League final, and two years ago in the Europa League final. Okay, we did not win that but that means only 11 players were better than us, and only two centre-halves.

"I did not see two better centre-halves in the Champions League (final) – only that they were more ruthless.

“He has played a really good World Cup but to do it consistency is the main thing. Dejan and I will be working together for a long time. I have the opportunity to help him and next time, maybe I will say it.”