Dejan Lovren is a 23 year old 6 foot 2 inch Croatian central defender who has signed for Southampton from French Club Lyon for £8.8m

Background

Lovren started his career in 2006 for Dinamo Zagreb playing there until 2010 although the first 2 years were on loan at Croatian Club Inter Zapresic.  He then moved to Lyon where he has played until his transfer to Southampton in June 2013.

Lovren is known as an agressive central defender who’s strengths are passing and ability in the air.  He was at some stage a ot European prospect but his stock fell with injuries and some dubious performances for Lyon culminating with falling out with the clubs management.

Here’s the statements on signing which just follow the general patter although there is a little on his view of his playing style:

”I’ve spoken a lot with the chairman and the coach, and this is a great project. They told me a lot of positive things, and I know the history of the club. It’s a big club and I’m very happy that I can be a part of it. After three-and-a-half years in France, it was a dream to play in the Premier League. Now the dream has come true. I have it in my mind to do something big, and I see the same thing in the club. We are a young team, and I am a young player also so I hope I will stay here for a long time.”

Southampton manager Pochettino ”We are very happy because Dejan is a very good player with good potential. In pre-season it’s important to have all players working together, so [signing Lovren] is a very good job by the chairman and all of the staff at the club.”