Liverpool defender Joel Matip opens up about his season

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Liverpool defender Joel Matip gives his verdict about his performances this season in the Premier League and the Champions League

Joel Matip discussed his early season struggles as well his recent form for Liverpool in an interview with the club’s official website.

The Cameroonian has started 17 games in the Premier League this season, 14 of which came after the turn of the year. A fractured collarbone ruled him out of action for almost a month in December but he has been a regular since his return.

Matip said: “At the beginning of the season I was struggling with injuries and other lads did very well, so there was no reason to change. But in the second half I could play and could improve. I feel good. You are waiting for this. And then if you can use it, it’s not a bad feeling – it’s not the worst feeling.”

Virgil van Dijk’s dominance at the back, combined with Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold’s efficiency higher up the pitch, has deservedly earned a ton of plaudits from pundits and fans alike. But Matip has slowly but surely played a hugely important part for the Reds this season.

Liverpool are in a training camp at Marbella in Spain ahead of the highly awaited Champions League final against Tottenham Hotspur at the start of next month. Matip was quizzed about the prospect of the clash against a side they have beaten twice in the Premier League this season, but he claimed the tie would be completely different.

“It was a great season and we can finish it. It’s the biggest game during this season and we will do everything for this. It will be a completely different game, but we know we can beat them and we are looking forward,” said Matip.

Liverpool can surely bank on Matip and van Dijk’s defensive prowess at the back, but it will no doubt be a difficult game and a win would give Jurgen Klopp his first piece of silverware since taking over from Brendan Rodgers in October 2015.