In the first two months of the 2023–24 season, Joel Matip made a “very solid” contribution to Liverpool, according to James Pearce. The “unsung hero” of Jurgen Klopp’s team was one of the topics that the Athletic reporter and three of his colleagues discussed while evaluating the Reds’ current season. Pearce proposed the £100,000-per-week defender (Capology) as his choice, saying: “I expected Ibrahima Konate to nail down the center-back spot next to Virgil van Dijk, but the former Cameroon international had other ideas.
“Matip has started six of Liverpool’s eight games, and he has repaid Klopp’s faith with his defensive contribution. He’s been a rock all along. “.
Although members of the Liverpool squad like Dominik Szoboszlai, Mo Salah, and Darwin Nunez have received the majority of the praise thus far this season, Matip’s contribution to the team is equally deserving of praise. Many Reds fans felt that a center-back addition was necessary during and after the transfer window, but the 32-year-old hasn’t disappointed anyone with his performances thus far this season.
He has made the fourth-most interceptions (eight), ball recoveries (38) and won the second-most aerial duels (16) at Anfield thus far in 2023–24, according to FBref, while WhoScored statistics show that he is second in the league for clearances per game (4.7). Matip’s only real mistake this season is one for which he cannot be held accountable: at the end of September, he made the unfortunate mistake of accidentally deflecting the ball into his own net, giving Tottenham a last-second victory. This was a moment of pure bad luck.
Since his injury return, Konate has had to be content with a spot on the bench and spotty substitute appearances due to his recent play (Transfermarkt). Don’t expect that to change anytime soon, through no fault of the Frenchman, unless fate steps in.
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