The Liverpool defender has been on a fine run of form recently.
Liverpool have been mightily impressive this season, with so many standout performers producing the goods on a consistent basis for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
There is one player who seems to have gone under the radar, however, with the likes of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino receiving most of the plaudits.
Joel Matip has been superb for Liverpool this season, despite often being overshadowed by star centre-back Virgil van Dijk.
The 27-year-old joined the Reds on a free transfer from Bundesliga outfit Schalke in the summer of 2016, and he has gone on to make 94 appearances in all competitions for Klopp’s side.
Matip has made 27 appearances for Liverpool this season, and he has been a key player for the Merseyside outfit, forging a strong partnership with Van Dijk at the heart of defence.
Standing at 6ft 5in tall, the Cameroonian is strong in the air, and he possesses one particular skill that not many defenders have – the ability to carry the ball out from the back with a certain level of confidence and composure.
Liverpool have needed Matip to be at his best this season, with long-term injuries to both Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren, and despite the fact that he hasn’t really received the praise that he deserves, Reds fans will be under no illusion as to his importance to their side’s sustained push for the Premier League title this season.
And perhaps the best indication of Matip’s importance to Liverpool is the fact that they would undoubtedly really miss him, if he was forced to spend any time on the sidelines through injury or suspension.
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