Joel Matip is up for the Premier League Player of the Month award – a just reward for his best Liverpool form in years. The centre-back is thriving.
Liverpool confirmed on Thursday that Joel Matip is nominated for the Premier League Player of the Month award. It’s not exactly a shock for those watching the Reds right now.
Matip has been sensational recently, putting in fine defensive performances as the Reds continue to keep clean sheets. But arguably, it’s his work with the ball that really separates him from the rest right now.
The 30-year-old was always solid on the ball but the way he’s carried it out of defence this season has been remarkable. His development culminated in a fantastic goal against Leeds United to end the month that saw him receive the ball at the back, operate as a midfielder on the edge of the box and finish like a striker.
It’s fantastic to watch and we’re seeing Matip back to his 2019 best.
Joel Matip returns to form for Liverpool
Matip was key in the UEFA Champions League win back in 2019 and started the subsequent season as first-choice alongside Virgil van Dijk. He was sensational to kick off the 2019/20 campaign, in fact, and won the PFA Player of the Month award in September 2019.
But injury struck soon after and by the time Matip was back, Joe Gomez had taken his place. Liverpool went on to win the Premier League, of course, and it appeared that the Cameroonian had lost his chance.
Last season handed him another opportunity but injury struck once again. In fact, Matip only played 19 Premier League games (17 starts) over the last two seasons.
But now we’re finally seeing him back to his best, as shown with this nomination. 21 Premier League starts, a wonderful goal, and magnificent defensive performances.
It’s been a long time coming but Matip is once again one of the world’s best centre-backs. Hopefully, injury spares him this time around.
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