Yesterday, Liverpool posted footage from the AXA Training Centre, which showed Joel Matip dazzle Jürgen Klopp.
What’s the story?
Well, the German was left amazed by his £140,000-a-week defender, after he embarked on a mesmeric dribble before slotting a calm finish into the back of the net.
Matip intercepted a bass on the edge of his own box in a small-sided game, before waltzing through the likes of Roberto Firmino, Fabio Carvalho and Joe Gomez with ease.
His goal earned a round of applause from many at the AXA Training Centre, with Klopp making a point of the fact that Matip looked “really happy” after scoring his wondergoal.
The 55-year-old added: “You can see the joy on his face”.
Footage of Matip’s excellent goal can be seen below.
In our view, the goal shouldn’t shock anyone, as the Cameroonian has made a habit of striding forward over the years – in fact, he is probably one of the best around at carrying the ball up the pitch from defence.
Joël Matip may have to be patient at Liverpool
In our view, Matip may not receive much game time next season – at least not at the start of the campaign.
Just before Joe Gomez signed a new long-term contract yesterday, The Times revealed that Klopp plans to give the England international more opportunities in the coming months, after he made just four Premier League starts last term.
That is bad news for Matip, as the Reds also have Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate to keep happy.
Of course, Matip could still play a big part, although as things stand, we believe the 30-year-old will start the campaign on the bench.
Having said that, if he keeps shining in training, Klopp may not be able to leave him out of the starting XI.
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