Jurgen Klopp thinks Liverpool pulled off something that may only be possible against Leeds

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Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has raved about Joel Matip’s goal on Wednesday night – but feels it may only be a possibility against Leeds United.

Matip is already something of a cult hero at Liverpool, and seeing him score from open play against Leeds will only add to that.

Liverpool were dominant in their 6-0 win, condemning struggling Leeds to another heavy defeat.

Matip’s goal was possibly the highlight of the night, with the defender striding out of defence and into the Leeds half.

Matip found Mohamed Salah out wide but carried on his run into the box, sweeping the ball home when Salah picked him out.

The goals flowed after Matip’s strike, but the Cameroonian’s goal was a particularly pleasing moment.

If you cast your mind back to September, Matip went on a similar marauding run in a 3-0 Liverpool win against… you guessed it, Leeds United.

Matip again exchanged passes with Salah in that run, eventually leading to Salah scoring from a Trent Alexander-Arnold cross.

So just why are we seeing Matip particularly shine as an attacking outlet against Leeds?

Jurgen Klopp believes the way Leeds set up makes them perfect for these kind of runs forward from Matip.

Klopp has told the Liverpool Echo that he thinks the way Leeds defend – going man for man across the pitch – means it’s necessary for Matip to bring the ball forward.

Klopp thinks it isn’t possible against every team and instead seems to be a specific tactic against Leeds, with the German delighted to see it work on Wednesday night.

“You might remember the goal [against Leeds in September], it was Mo’s goal from Trent’s cross at Leeds and it was a similar situation, I am sure,” said Klopp. “The way Leeds defend, it gives Joel, especially, on that right side, the chance [to come forward] and actually it is his duty to step in to make yards. And then, in the end, they will always make the block but they have to find a way to keep the game going. He did that this time with the pass outside and he followed it through.”

“This is absolutely great and then he finished it off! It’s not possible to do that in all games or needed in all games but against Leeds, it is possible and it is needed as well. So he did that very well and got the full reward for it, so I am really happy,” he added.