'Talents here can take us even higher'
Dejan Lovren predicted that Liverpool can continue to climb the table after helping to secure a crucial 2-0 victory at his former club Southampton on Sunday.
With Mamadou Sakho ruled out of the St Mary's contest due to a hip problem, the Croatian defender was drafted into the starting XI against the side he represented last season.
The foundation for a win that closed the gap in the race for a top four position was a fifth consecutive away clean sheet in the league for Brendan Rodgers' charges.
At the other end, the damage was done by a sensational long-ranger from Philippe Coutinho that bounced home off the crossbar, then Raheem Sterling's side-footer in the second half.
Lovren told Liverpoolfc.com: "It was an amazing win. It was a tough game for us and we knew when we arrived here that it would be difficult.
"It's a massive three points for us, now we're a step closer to the top four. We did a great job. We have massive talent and we can go higher and higher, because everyone is so young.
"With the talent and youth, I think we can achieve whatever we want, whatever we imagine. We just need to work hard and give our best on the pitch."
Not even three minutes were on the clock on the south coast when Coutinho produced a moment of unforgettable excellence, setting Liverpool up for a fourth straight win in all competitions.
The No.10 took possession towards the left flank, spun and in a stunning, swift motion sent the ball spiralling up and down past the goalkeeper and into the net via a touch on the woodwork.
"It was amazing, a perfect goal for us," said Lovren. "It was a tough game at the beginning and we needed a goal like that. Congratulations to him. And of course, I'm happy for Sterling too - fantastic."
Rain began pouring on Southampton long before the referee signalled the start of a Barclays Premier League tie between two outfits wrestling for a Champions League qualification spot.
The blustery conditions added to the demands of dealing with the threats posed by the hosts, but a shut-out and three points allowed Lovren to reflect on a satisfying display.
"It was difficult but when you are concentrated on your game, nothing can stop you," he commented.
"It was 90 minutes of rain but the pitch was perfect. We didn't play as well as previous games but what counts at the end is the points.
"I found out in the last couple of days that I would play. I was always ready to play and come in. Of course, it was a special moment to play against my ex-team - especially after the win, I'm happy."