Matip has been a big hit at Liverpool since joining in the summer.
Liverpool defender Joel Matip has earned the praise of former star Sami Hyypia, via the club’s official website.
Matip made the move to Anfield in the summer transfer window after agreeing on a deal earlier in the year.
He has been a big hit on Merseyside side then, becoming a key man in the heart of the Reds defence.
Indeed his presence has been sorely missed when he has been absent, as evidenced by the recent loss to Bournemouth.
West Bromwich Albion’s Matt Phillips in action with Liverpool’s Joel Matip
His performances have earned rave reviews , especially considering the big money that was spent on defenders in the summer transfer window.
One man who has been impressed by what he has seen is former Reds centre-back Hyypia.
“He’s a good player. He’s a big guy, dominant player, very comfortable on the ball and that’s a big piece of how the team plays,” he told the club’s official website.
“When you want to play football, you need to have somebody who is comfortable on the ball and on the other hand a strong defender.”
“His style of play is that he is comfortable on the ball but I think that comes from confidence, he is very confident that he can play football.”
Liverpool manager Juergen Klopp celebrates with Joel Matip after the game
While Matip has impressed for Liverpool, questions still remain over their defence this season.
They have conceded more goals than any team in the top six this season and have the second worst defensive record of all the teams in the top ten.
It is a big issue for a team that wants to challenge for the title and it will be interesting to see if Jurgen Klopp looks to make more additions to compliment Matip in future.
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