The Liverpool defender says the Chelsea striker is a great player.
Leicester City’s Ahmed Musa in action with Liverpool’s Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson
Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, Liverpool defender Joel Matip has named Chelsea striker Diego Costa as his toughest opponent this season.
Matip made the move to Anfield this summer after agreeing to a free transfer from Schalke earlier in the year.
He has since impressed in the heart of the Reds defence, firmly establishing himself as a key player in Jurgen Klopp’s team.
His time in the team has seen him come up against some of the Premier League’s best strikers, including the likes of Harry Kane and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.
It is, however, Chelsea’s Diego Costa who the central defender names as his toughest opponent so far.
“There are a lot of tough players in this league, he didn’t play well against us, but Costa is a great player,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
Chelsea’s Diego Costa celebrates scoring their second goal with Victor Moses and teammates
It is not surprising to see Matip name Costa as his toughest opponent this season given the form the Spaniard has enjoyed so far.
He currently tops the Premier League goalscoring charts, with ten goals in 12 Premier League games so far.
That form has helped Chelsea to the top of the table, a point ahead of Matip’s Liverpool team who sit second.
If he continues the high level he has managed for the remainder of the campaign, the Reds centre-back is not likely to be the only one naming him as their toughest opponent.
Liverpool’s Joel Matip and Jordan Henderson applaud fans after the game
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