Dejan Lovren admitted he is somewhat surprised by just how quickly he has formed a working centre-half partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
Lovren and Van Dijk have started together on two occasions since the latter's world-record £75 million move to Liverpool in January -- most recently in the 5-0 win at Porto last week.
The Croatian believes Van Dijk, 26, is still adjusting to life at Liverpool, but has already displayed his quality in six appearances.
"To be honest, I didn't expect that we would be so quick [to settle] together," Lovren said. "But when you are a top centre-back I think it is normal -- and Virgil is one of them.
"Of course, he needs some time to adapt because Southampton to Liverpool is different. But he understands what the manager wants, although sometimes I have to remind him also."
Van Dijk is one of five players in the current Liverpool squad, including Lovren, who have made the move from St. Mary's to Anfield in recent seasons.
Lovren, who endured a difficult start to his Liverpool career after securing his move in 2014, said he is offering his advice to help Van Dijk settle.
"I help him as much as I know," Lovren said. "It is a difficult period sometimes to adapt, but he is managing it quite well. Everyone is behind him and giving him support."