The England international produced a neat finish just five minutes in after pouncing on a deflected effort from Daniel Sturridge

Raheem Sterling scored the only goal of the game as Liverpool defeated Olympiakos 1-0 in the International Champions Cup.

The winger struck after just five minutes of play at Soldier Field in Chicago, finishing coolly after latching onto a deflected strike from Daniel Sturridge.

The Reds were good value for their win, although Olympiakos were inches away from earning a point, with Gevorg Ghazaryan denied by the crossbar early in the second half with Brad Jones beaten.

Liverpool’s first match of the pre-season tournament in the US saw them start well, with a free kick in the fourth minute in a dangerous area, before they took the lead a minute later.

Sturridge’s attempt from distance deflected off an Olympiakos defender, and fell fortunately to Sterling, who tucked away past a helpless Balazs Megyeri.

The game began to open up later in the half, with Liverpool producing several fast counterattacks, with new signing Lukas Markovic involved.

Olympiakos had appeals for a penalty waved away in the 35th minute, as Javier Saviola earned a yellow card for simulation inside the area.

Moments later, Markovic showed elements of his class as he danced into the Olympiakos area, only to guide his curling right-footed shot too high for the top-right corner target.

Rodgers swung the changes at half-time, taking out Markovic, fellow signing Emre Can and Jose Enrique, and bringing in Joe Allen, Jack Robinson and Coutinho.

However, it was Olympiakos who should have struck first on return to the Soldier Field playing arena, as Ghazaryan’s shot was agonisingly denied by the woodwork.

Andreas Bouchalakis then had a gilt-edged chance to equalise, forcing a turnover deep in Liverpool’s defensive third, however he could not control his final touch around goalkeeper Jones as the chance dissipated.

The Croatian gave his first interview after signing from Southampton for €24 million and admitted he can’t wait to pull on the red jersey in front of an Anfield crowd

Dejan Lovren has described his move to Liverpool as “a dream come true” after completing his transfer from Southampton.

The Croatian spoke to the club’s official website after his transfer was officially announced and the central defender revealed he cannot wait to get going on Merseyside.

The 25-year-old represented his country at the World Cup in Brazil and made clear his desire to secure a move away from St Mary’s on his return and becomes the latest high profile departure from the Saints, following moves for Adam Lallana, Rickie Lambert and Calum Chambers.

Asked how it sounds to be a described as a Liverpool player, Lovren said: “It sounds amazing and it’s a dream come true. I’m happy and glad to be here; I’m proud and can’t wait to start.

“I know we have millions and millions of supporters – Liverpool is more than a club.

“I’m most looking forward to Anfield, of course. I played there last season in front of the crowd singing ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’. That is something very special for every player, every sportsman and every fan. I can’t wait to get started.”

The centre-back becomes Brendan Rodgers’s fifth summer signing and third from Southampton, with Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana, after rejecting interest from Arsenal and Spurs

Dejan Lovren has completed his €24 million move to Liverpool to become the club’s third summer recruit from Southampton.

Goal understands the Croatia international has turned down interest from Arsenal and Tottenham to complete the move to Merseyside.

The centre-back was outspoken earlier in July after revealing Southampton had turned down a similar bid without informing him but has now been confirmed as Liverpool’s fifth summer signing.

“It’s a dream come true. I’m happy and glad to be here. I’m proud and can’t wait to start. I know we have millions and millions of supporters – Liverpool is more than a club,” he told the club’s official website.

“After I played at Anfield last season, I said to myself: ‘One day I hope I’ll be able to play here for Liverpool’.

“The fans will know from the first minute that I’m a player that will give 100 per cent on the pitch.”

Lovren joins former Southampton team-mates Rickie Lambert and Adam Lallana at Anfield, becoming the latest in a long line of Southampton players to leave the club this summer.

Luke Shaw has also exited St Mary’s, joining Manchester United, while Morgan Schneiderlin is the subject of interest from Tottenham and Arsenal and Calum Chambers is expected to join the Gunners.