Roy Evans believes the capture of Dejan Lovren will make Liverpool's defence a mean proposition for Premier League attackers to contend with in 2014-15.

The Croatian international is hoping to make his first appearance in his new No.6 shirt in Sunday's Anfield friendly with Borussia Dortmund - and former Reds manager Evans is a big admirer of his qualities.

"Since Jamie Carragher left the club we've missed an organiser and I think Lovren suits that role perfectly," Evans told Liverpoolfc.com.

"Lovren has good organisational skills and he can pull the defence together. When you play with a back four you would like them to be playing regularly so hopefully he can be the man to bring it all together.

"I have always been impressed with him whenever I have seen him play. He looks like a leader to me and I think he will do well for us."

Looking ahead to Sunday's Anfield friendly, Evans feels it's important for the new players to have a match on home turf before the season kicks-off for real against Southampton on August 17.

He said: "It's a nice fixture for us and it gives the fans a chance to see the new signings for the first time.

"Hopefully we can get a good result which will give us a bit of confidence to go into the first game of the new season, which is getting closer and closer.

"We've had a lot of signings coming in and I think we have the nucleus of a very good team. Hopefully the new signings will give us strength in depth and quality."