Brendan Rodgers believes Dejan Lovren can become a top-class defender, with the resurgent Croatian steadily putting his underwhelming first 12 months at Liverpool FC well in the past.

The 26-year-old was the subject of intense criticism off the back of his dreadful first campaign, after he was lauded as the perfect leader for the Reds' defence.

But following his £20 million switch from Southampton, one of three signings making the move from the South Coast to Anfield that summer, Lovren added only more uncertainty and disorganisation to a shaky defence.

Now, however, Lovren is steadily setting about righting his wrongs and having won over the trust of Rodgers, he is convincing supporters that he may be able to turn things around in a red shirt.

He has been a crucial part of the Reds' defence which has kept three consecutive clean sheets so far this season, and will retain his spot alongside Martin Skrtel for the showdown with West Ham United on Saturday. 

Rodgers glad Lovren is finding his best form

The Northern Irishman, who has selected Lovren over Mamadou Sakho in the heart of defence, said he spoke personally with the centre-half and said "it would be a great learning year for him" despite a torrid run of form.

He insisted that the first year of moving to a new club is "always difficult" and that he wasn't helped by the "lack of stability in the overall group" when he came in.

Rodgers revealed that it was a case of "reassuring" the defender that he is still a "top-quality player" and remains a key part of his plans, because his confidence had been seriously knocked last term - with the lowpoint his missed penalty in a shoot-out eliminating Liverpool from the Europa League in the Last 32.

He spoke about how Lovren has since worked "very hard" and listened and learned to improve, and has now become "much more patient" on the pitch and has found his stability, which has helped himself and the team - with he and the back-four having got a "good pre-season" under their belts.

The manager also declared that Lovren is more focused and "a bit more relaxed" in his role, explaining that he first decided to bring him to Anfield as he believes he can still be a "top-class defender" - which his relationship with Skrtel "is proving."

Defender profiting from more cohesive back-four

Rodgers said that Lovren is also benefiting from more solid presences around him, with summer signings Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez more consistent and reliable than their full-back predecessors.

He said their form "has really helped him" as they "close the game down" when Liverpool lose the ball and the transition when they "either get the ball back or close the ball" demonstrates their newfound stability.

The Reds boss cited the examples Liverpool's back-four showed at Arsenal and a "very open pitch" - but that they closed the space quickly when the hosts had the ball, and in those situations that Clyne and Gomez "really help" the centre of defence.

He added that Lovren is aware that he still have elements of his game to improve, but says that he is showcasing his confidence and stature in the last few games and will show he is a "different player" throughout the course of the campaign.

Sakho still an important player for the Reds

One player set to suffer from that is Sakho, who has still yet to make a first-team appearance under Rodgers this season, despite interest from AS Roma and Bayer Leverkusen - which was quickly rejected. 

But Rodgers retains his stance that the Frenchman is still an important part of the Reds' set-up, despite the fact that his international prospects were hurt as he was left out of Dider Deschamps' squad for next month's double-header.

He was unconcerned that Sakho has been left out, saying that though he has respect for the centre-back and the fact he wants to play for France - who have competitive options at the back, Sakho isn't currently the strongest available option to him.

Nevertheless, Rodgers announced that the defender is an "important part" of their squad and he's continuing to work hard in training and "do everything he possibly can" to force his way back into the side. He said that when his "invariable" chance does come, he'll be ready to take it.