Liverpool are in the midst of an injury crisis with players dropping like flies around the squad. Jürgen Klopp is having to make do with what remains of his squad, calling upon the depth at the club. Thankfully, some of the backup players are world class. Jürgen Klopp has been raving over Joel Matip.
Joel Matip at Liverpool
Now 29-years-old, Joel Matip joined Liverpool way back in 2016.
The Cameroonian agreed a deal in February to join the Reds on a free transfer that summer.
At first he struggled to find his feet in the Premier League but after being handed a run in the side alongside Virgil van Dijk we quickly realised just how good he is.
The long limbed defender was an integral part of the Reds’ run to the Champions League in 2019 and he was unfortunate to lose his spot to Joe Gomez.
Injuries have plagued his time at the Reds but when he is fit, he is often exceptional.
Jürgen Klopp on Joel Matip
Speaking to Liverpool’s official site, Jürgen Klopp has raved about Joel Matip.
The boss has always been a massive fan of the Cameroonian, he once referred to him as one of his best signings ever. Klopp said of Matip:
“The best football age! Joel, since he was with us, he is incredible. He was incredible before, that’s why we signed him.
“He is an incredible football player, it’s unbelievable how good he is. Yes, he was unlucky with injuries. Before he arrived here he had no injuries, played for Schalke pretty much through four, five or six years.
“Now he’s back and hopefully for a long time. If he is in the best moment of his career, I don’t know, but I was really happy with the moment of his career he was in for the last four years. Super player.”
What RTK has to say
Hopefully Jürgen Klopp can keep Joel Matip fit.
The lanky enforcer is one helluva defender, if we can keep him fighting fit then we have a real shot at retaining the title.
The boss is also right in that he is the perfect age for a defender, at 29-years-old he just approaching his prime.
As long as he remains injury free he can establish himself as one of the world’s best in the coming years.
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