Joel Matip was finally confirmed as a Liverpool player. The 24-year-old signs from FC Schalke 04 on a free, after Liverpool had already pre signed him in February. This makes him Jürgen Klopps 5th signing during his time as manager. 

“It’s a great pleasure and honour to be a part of this big club.”

Joel Matip who was named in Bundesliga’s team of the season will be competing with Dejan Lovren and Mamadou Sakho who are the clubs first team centre back duo. It makes for healthy competition and is something I’m sure the manager, players and supporters are excited to see. 

Here is a comparison between the 3 first choice centre backs. Joel Matip has done better than he’s now teammates last season the most interesting stat being Matip having 3 assists to his name. As well as a defender, Joel Matip looks to be very strong in an attacking sense. At 6ft 4in, the Cameroon international is dominant in the air. He won more tackles (44) and more headers (117) than any Liverpool centre back last season. Another statistic which is a major positive will be the total forward passes made. Joel Matip looks like a player who will take control of the ball and someone who is calm and collective. Something Jürgen Klopp would have recognised before taking him on board. 

Jürgen Klopp was a big fan of Joel Matip even before joining Liverpool. 

“I’m very happy, everybody who knows him would have been interested.”

“He is a top-class centre-half, very young but experienced. You don’t have that too often.”

“He’s quick, he’s flexible in his movements and good in technical things. He has played in different systems, with four or three defenders. He scores goals, four or five per season minimum. He is good in the one-on-one and quick. It’s a package.”

It is also nice to know that Joel Matip is very passionate already. 

“I am very excited to play at Anfield. It will be a very special feeling. I can’t wait to go down Anfield Road and into the stadium – I can’t wait for it!”

Here is Joel Matip’s first interview as a Liverpool player. Thanks to LFCTV. 

Joel Matip seems a very composed, physically strong and a threat going forward, and at just 24, looks like a great asset at the back for Liverpool. 

Written by Vilson