Dejan Lovren: 'I am one of the best defenders in the world'

Croatia and Liverpool centre-back Dejan Lovren has claimed that he deserves to be considered amongst the best defenders in world football.

Lovren has been a key part of the Croatia team that has booked their place in the final of the World Cup for the first time in their history, beating England 2-1 after extra time in the semi-finals on Wednesday night.

The 29-year-old also helped Liverpool to the final of the Champions League last season, but he was criticised for some of his performances throughout the campaign and even received a death threat following a particularly poor showing against Tottenham Hotspur in October.

However, Lovren believes that his achievements confirm that he is among the world's best players in his position.

"I think people should recognise that I am also one of the best defenders in the world and not just talk nonsense," he told beIN Sports.

Lovren also claimed that teammate Luka Modric deserves to win the Ballon d'Or if Croatia win the World Cup against France on Sunday.