Jurgen Klopp has hailed the ‘outstanding’ Liverpool defender Joel Matip, as one of the club’s best-ever free transfers, and how only James Milner could match him, as he told BBC Sport.
In 2016, Liverpool secured the free transfer of Matip when he left German side Schalke, whilst Milner swapped Manchester City for Anfield the year before.
Both have been great servants to the club playing a huge role in the Reds winning the Premier League title and the Champions League trophy.
During that period, Matip has earned more regular minutes and been a strong partner to Virgil van Dijk at the back.
Ahead of Liverpool’s Premier League clash against Leicester, Klopp hailed Matip’s influence on this side.
“Centre-half is a really important position for us with how we play,” said Klopp.
“We need really good players there and we have had too many injuries in that position.
“Joel is an outstanding player and I think it would really close race with Milly for the best signing on a free transfer.
“What we have reached in the last few years would not have happened without them.”
It could also be argued that both Matip and Milner have been underrated figures on Merseyside.
Milner’s value is far too great, and his presence around the training ground, for the young players especially, is equally as important as to what he produces on the field of play.
As for Matip, one day, Liverpool fans will watch him score a worldie from the back because he constantly loves driving the ball forward from defence.
But added with that, his reading of the game is of high quality and a big reason why Liverpool’s backline is so strong.
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