Ex-Liverpool striker David Fairclough says summer signing is already a fans favourite at Anfield

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Liverpool supporters have been crying out for a defender of class and composure for years, and Joel Matip has answered their call.

Liverpool defender Joel Matip has already won the affection of supporters on Merseyside, former Reds striker David Fairclough told the club’s official website.

Jurgen Klopp moved quickly to secure the services of a player he encountered frequently in the Bundesliga, agreeing a deal to sign the Cameroon international on a free transfer from Dortmund’s Revierderby rivals Schalke as far back as February.

And Matip has already began to justify Klopp’s trust with a string of assured performances at the heart of the Liverpool backline, headlined by a towering header against Crystal Palace at the weekend, his first goal in English football (below).

After enduring a mixed bag of centre halves in recent years, from the talented yet erratic Daniel Agger and Mamadou Sakho to the downright inadequate Steven Caulker and Sebastien Coates, Matip’s elegance and composure has some tipping him as the heir apparent to former skipper Sami Hyypia.

And Fairclough, who knows a thing or two about quality centre-halves having won domestic titles alongside the likes of Alan Hansen and Phil Thompson in the 1970s, believes the sure-footed 6ft 5ins stopper has already won over the club’s famously fervent supporters.

“I think Matip has really come on and he has gradually become a firm favourite amongst the Liverpool supporters,” he told Liverpoolfc.com.

“It was great to see him get his first goal for the club and it was an unstoppable header. You get the impression with his presence he is capable of getting more goals for us like that.

“Everybody who watches Liverpool can’t help but notice how calm Matip is. He is a big, imposing figure who has added height and strength to the side.

“He handles himself extremely well and he doesn’t get ruffled. He is getting stronger and stronger.”

Matip has certainly had a positive impact on results since cementing his place in the back four; in 11 appearances with the languid centre-back in the line-up, Klopp’s high flyers are still unbeaten.