Jurgen Klopp was eager for Liverpool to share the plaudits as a squad after beating Brighton on Saturday.
The Reds extended their lead atop the Premier League table to 11 points after 14 games with a hard-fought 2-1 win.
Leicester could shorten that gap to eight points with victory over Merseyside rivals Everton on Sunday, but Liverpool remain in a commanding position as they search for a first top-flight title since 1990.
Virgil van Dijk scored twice for the hosts at Anfield on the eve of this year’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, for which he is one of the favourites – although Lionel Messi apparently has it wrapped up.
But Klopp was quick to point out the performance of Dejan Lovren alongside him.
“Oh come on, do we have to talk about individual players?” he said when asked for his thoughts on the Dutchman.
“He scored two goals, that’s the story itself. He’s good, really good, outstandingly good. But he has to be, he’s a very talented boy, so he just has to use that talent and it would be a shame if he doesn’t.
“So yes, incredibly important but if Virg plays the last line alone it would be pretty difficult. I think Dejan Lovren, who maybe doesn’t have the headlines like this, but what he’s playing since, he has all my respect, to be honest.”
Klopp also paid tribute to what could be Liverpool’s closest challengers this season.
“We don’t think about the points gap or whatever,” he added. “People told me tonight already that we are 11 points ahead but Leicester play tomorrow, so it still [could be] eight. That’s how I see it.
“Not that I don’t think Everton can win there, but Leicester are in an incredible shape. We don’t have to think about these kind of things, we only have to make sure we are ready always – and always for the next game.”
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