Joel Matip is a value addition to Liverpool
Jurgen Klopp has pulled off a coup. This time, the transfer committee has got it right. One of the most highly rated defenders in the Bundesliga is coming to Liverpool. Joel Matip will join the Reds on a four year deal in the summer. On a free transfer from Schalke 04!
Matip’s current deal with Schalke was to expire come summer. That meant he was free to talk to any team about a potential transfer. Liverpool were in dire needs to get their defense upgraded if they are to mount a serious challenge for top four next season. For that, you have to plug the leak of cheap goals. Liverpool has been notoriously bad at defending. It has been the case for the past few seasons. The Kop holds their breath every time a corner is defended. The Reds have the dubious honor of conceding the most goals to set plays.
Jurgen Kloop has chalked out a solution. And that is Schalke’s highly rated Joel Matip. The Royal Blue’s defender has been at the German club since the turn of the millennium. Starting at the age of nine, Matip has come up through the academy at the club. In 2009, he announced his arrival on the grand stage in style. He debuted against Louis Van Gaal’s Bayern Munich. Matip scored a goal and went on to bag the Man of the Match. A versatile defender, who is most comfortable as centre-back but can play at the right and also as a holding midfielder. He is comfortable on both feet. Matip has played every minute of Schalke’s league matches this season. He has the most tackles, interceptions and dribbles compared to his team mates at Schalke.
At 24, Joel Matip is one of the most respected defenders in the Bundesliga. Born in Germany, Matip decided to play for Cameron, his father’s country, at international level. What Matip also brings to the table is experience at playing in the Champions League, Europa League, Bundesliga and also two World Cups. That’s over 250 appearances for the club. More than 40 of them in European competitions. His CV boasts of two World Cups (2010 & 2014). Liverpool has acquired all this experience for free. An interesting fact is Matip averages a goal every 10 matches for Shalke. 16 of his 17 goals have come from set-plays. Only Christian Benteke is seen as an aerial threat in the current squad. At 1.94m, Matip towers over any current Liverpool player. His height and experience would be a great addition to Klopp’s squad.
The acquisitions of Matip seems to have set in motion the departure of Kolo Toure in the summer. The Ivorian’s current deal expires in the summer. If so, Klopp can pair Matip with Martin Skrtel, Dejan Lovren or Mamadou Sakho. Throw in Young Joe Gomez and Thiago Illori and that’s an array of centre-backs for Klopp to choose from. The acquisition of Joel Matip has Jurgen Klopp stamped across the transfer. Klopp likes a high pressing style of play. This forces the opposition to play long balls. When that happens, you need tall and strong defenders to handle the ball. At 6.4, Matip fits the bill perfectly. It is almost certain that Klopp will build his defence around him. Hopefully all other center backs will remain at Anfield and fight for a starting spot.
Obtaining the services of Matip, Marko Gruic and also Steve Caulker reflects Klopp’s vision of Liverpool. Tall and strong players. Something that Liverpool lack at the moment. Caulker might me a stop gap solution. At 19, Gruic for the future. Joel Matip is the present and the future. Aged 24, Matip is a vastly experienced player at all levels. A great coach like Klopp can certainly improve the player much more. It’s a win win for the player and the club.
The signing of Matip is a shrewd piece of business for Klopp and Liverpool. In the open market, Matip would have in excess of 15 million. Once in a while, the transfer committee gets in right.
The signing of Matip has left the door open for a few questions;
Will it be only Kolo Tore who moves on?
If the most senior defenders are staying, then what of the youngsters?
Will they be sent on loan to develop or allowed to leave on a permanent basis? If so who
Joel Matip is not the superstar signing of the football world. But the next time his name comes up, he just might be. Matip looks the real deal defender. The Kop have much to be happy for.
Joel Matip, You’ll never walk alone
