Joel Matip was one of Liverpool’s most recognisable players throughout the Jurgen Klopp era.
The centre-back was brought in from Schalke on a free transfer, and although towards the end of his career, he suffered a fair few injuries, he was more often than not one of Liverpool’s most reliable players.
The Cameroonian formed an iconic partnership with Virgil van Dijk, and although there were times when players such as Joe Gomez and Nat Phillips were started over him, there’s no denying that Matip was an impressive player.
He donned the Red of Liverpool for eight years and, nine years ago on 23 August, the former Schalke man made his debut for the club.
Throughout that time, he made 201 appearances, scored nine goals and won six major trophies with his assist for Divock Origi in the 2019 Champions League final, winning the competition for the Anfield outfit.
Jurgen Klopp loved Joel Matip during his time in charge of Liverpool
Although Matip didn’t get coached by Arne Slot during his time in Merseyside, he was one of Klopp’s right-hand men.
The centre-back was often one of the first names on the teamsheet, with his on-pitch performances allowing him to stand out among the crowd.
And, back in 2020, Klopp’s love for Matip was proven after what he said about the form of the former Cameroon international.
“The best football age! Joel, since he was with us, he is incredible. He was incredible before, that’s why we signed him,” he said to Liverpool’s official website.
“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.
“Here, when it starts with one and you have to be lucky from a specific moment, but they were all different. The last injury he had, someone cut his tendon on the toe by swishing, it was in the Everton game last season. Then you are out and it looks like you are vulnerable or whatever, but it’s just something everybody would have had if you are in the situation.
“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.”
Liverpool have a lot to thank Joel Matip for
The fact that a player of Matip’s calibre cost Liverpool nothing is nothing but extraordinary.
The longevity of the centre-back, coupled with the immaculate vibes that he brought to the team, were worth their weight in gold.
Indeed, you could argue that Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are now better players than the centre-back, but while the aforementioned pair were finding their feet, Matip was helping ensure Liverpool got to where they are today.
As mentioned, Matip won six major trophies during his 8-year stint, and to be honest, it wouldn’t have been the same without him among Klopp’s ranks.
There aren’t many ex-players whose teams can say they are more than welcome to return whenever they want, but, in Matip’s case, it feels likely that he’d be welcomed back with open arms.
As laid out previously, nine years ago today (23 August 2016), the Cameroonian entered the hearts of the entire Liverpool fanbase and, to be quite frank, it’s doubtful that he’s even left yet.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
