So far this season Liverpool have been sensational and they go into the derby against Everton this afternoon knowing a win will see them head back to the top of the Premier League table.
Jurgen Klopp has nurtured a squad capable of winning the title and it is the star names that have perhaps understandably garnered all the praise with Virgil Van Dijk, Alisson and Mo Salah the three stand out names for the Anfield club.
One player who isn't getting enough praise at the moment though is Joel Matip who has continued to prove a solid presence in the middle of one of the best defences in the world. Van Dijk has captured most of the plaudits as one of the best in the business but Liverpool have suffered multiple injuries alongside him which has meant that Matip is becoming increasingly important.
Dejan Lovren and Joel Gomez continue to be on the sidelines which has heaped the pressure on the sometimes shaky body of Matip who himself has suffered with his fair share of setback since arriving in England from the Bundesliga.
Since returning from a collarbone injury, Matip has grown in confidence with a series of rock solid displays and he is starting to prove himself as the genuine partner alongside Van Dijk for the foreseeable future.
The Cameroonian star has conceded just six goals in his nine Premier League starts to date this term and his form has been a lifesaver for Jurgen Klopp given the injury problems in defence.
Liverpool have been down to the bare bones at the back of late with Jordan Henderson, James Milner and Fabinho all being forced to play in the back four of late but with Matip looking increasingly confident and solid, those worries are starting to ease at just the right time for fans of the Anfield club.
Matip has shown glimpses of his talent since arriving in England on a free transfer but injuries and dips ion form have stunted his time in England much to the frustration of the faithful on Merseyside. The 27-year-old is going to face another stern test against the Toffees at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon which he will need to pass but the signs are positive for one of the most improved players in the Premier League.
Van Dijk is the man to attract the majority attention but for every Batman, there needs to be a Robin and in Matip the Dutchman appears to have found his perfect sidekick for the remainder of this campaign.
Jurgen Klopp on Joël Matip. 🦁🇨🇲
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