The Cameroon international is back in first-team contention following Joe Gomez’s injury and his Reds teammate has hailed him for being “ready”.
Liverpool defender Virgil van Dijk has echoed Jurgen Klopp’s sentiments in praising Joel Matip.
The 27-year-old has found himself in and out of the Reds squad over the past 12 months, with injuries disrupting his progress last season (Transfermarkt).
This term, Matip has started just five games in all competitions, with Joe Gomez often utilised alongside Van Dijk, but the Englishman’s injury has opened up a place in the starting XI.
The Cameroon international has started two Premier League games in succession for the first time this season and was impressive in the last match, a 4-0 win over Bournemouth.
Klopp singled Matip out for praise following the triumph at the Vitality Stadium, expressing to the official club website “how good he was”.
Ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Napoli, Van Dijk has also spoken out about his colleague and defensive partner in positive terms.
“He’s a fantastic player,” the Dutchman told the Liverpool website.
“The manager said at the beginning of the season that we’d need everyone throughout the whole season, so we need to be ready. He is showing that he’s ready, that’s good for everyone.
“Obviously I saw last season how good he can be and how good he is.”
Following the decisive clash against the Serie A giants, Liverpool will take on Manchester United, Arsenal and Manchester City in the Premier League between then and 3 January.
As a result, Matip and Van Dijk will need to be on top form to ensure a positive points haul and, judging by the latter’s comments, it looks as though the Reds will continue to shut up shop.
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