Liverpool centre-half Dejan Lovren always believed he would reach the top of world football, as demonstrated by a note he wrote as a 12-year-old boy.
Lovren has been forced to cope with much criticism since joining Liverpool from Southampton four years ago, with his errors poured over by journalists and supporters alike and his place at the club constantly questioned.
The Croatian is currently enjoying the best form of his Anfield career, however, and has played his part in the remarkable Champions League campaign that has led to Saturday’s final against Real Madrid in Kiev.
“When you say I am not good enough, I will just show you I am good enough, simple as that,” Lovren said while previewing the final, after being asked about the criticism he has faced over recent years.