It can be difficult to shine in a defense that contains Virgil Van Dijk. The Dutchman is considered by many to be the best center-back in Europe, most likely in the world as well. And that was the best part of four years the case.
And yet, Joel Matip’s performance levels this season mean he’s got it done. There was an expectation that with the arrival of Ibrahima Konate, plus the return of Joe Gomez, Matip’s place in the Liverpool defensive pecking order would fall.
But the reality was quite the opposite. He was Van Dijk’s most consistent partner and is on the run to collect his most Premier League appearances in a single season, something he will achieve when he plays in seven of Liverpool’s remaining nine league games.
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And assuming there are no injury set-backs, something that has plagued much of Matip’s Anfield career, you would support him in achieving that goal.
The 30-year-old’s impressive performances were publicly rewarded last month when he won the Premier League Player of the Month award. That is routinely a prize reserved for attacking players, with the last central defender winning it randomly beating Van Dijk back in 2018. You have to go far back in 2013 for the last time a non-Liverpool defender won it – Spurs’ Jan Vertonghen.
Although the award came mainly in recognition of his achievements in February, a run of four players that included a goal against Leeds, Reds fans who watched him all year would soon point out that such good posters consistently uechter were. the whole campaign.
His success rates in terms of defensive duels (70 percent) and air duels (62 percent) surprisingly rank among the best in the league in his position, but they do not alone capture his influence for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
He is calm and composed when under pressure, much like his defensive partner. He is also an accurate and reliable passer of the ball, which is also like Van Dijk. However, he outperformed the Dutchman, and almost everyone else, with his ability to get out and kick the ball at his feet.
No Premier League central defender has made more progressive runs per 90 (3.48) than Matip this season, and this has proven to be a crucial form of ball progression for Liverpool, helping them get through the lines centrally and into more dangerous areas. the city. Opposition half.
Matip’s quality was never in doubt, but he seems to have discovered an even higher level of play this year, almost certainly as a consequence of maintaining a more consistent run in the team.
Klopp and his team-mates will hope his injury problems are now behind him, as if he can stay fit and available for the rest of this season and beyond, then there is a fair chance that Liverpool will have two of currently top central defenders. around.
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