Joël Matip

[RedReet]

If you look at the best partnerships we have had they have tended to involve players who stay fit for long periods, Sami Hyypia and Jamie Carragher hardly ever missed a game. Ok, Carragher was out for a year with a broken leg but never had little injuries, like the likes of Sakho, Agger, Lovren, Skrtel etc who would play 10 games and be out for a couple of weeks/months.

I think the defenders we have are good players and are capable of forming a good defensive unit when they are fit, but to be challenging for the title we need that CB partnership to be playing together for 90%+ of our games. And based on recent records I am not sure that will be possible with the players that we have.

[Phoenix07]

There were a few folks on the Anfield Wrap saying Matip was overrated by our fans prior to the Watford game. One was quite vocal in that, but I can't remember his name.

After the game, I couldn't help but think back to this. I've dwelled on it, and you know what, I think he'd be far better in midfield. He has the technique with the ball, and can get about the pitch, but I'm not convinced regarding his aggressivity.

However, if we sign VVD, I think his game will go up a notch, given VVD is that aggressive natured defender we need.

[Abro100]

I like matip but I've always though of him as a good to average defender. I've never got this hype around him. Wouldn't get in Arsenal Chelsea United City Everton Tottenham team.

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[Doc_Piptorious]

There were a few folks on the Anfield Wrap saying Matip was overrated by our fans prior to the Watford game. One was quite vocal in that, but I can't remember his name.

After the game, I couldn't help but think back to this. I've dwelled on it, and you know what, I think he'd be far better in midfield. He has the technique with the ball, and can get about the pitch, but I'm not convinced regarding his aggressivity.

However, if we sign VVD, I think his game will go up a notch, given VVD is that aggressive natured defender we need.

Matip is an excellent foil to an aggressive CB. His partnership with Howedes is an example of this.


Got to say I would love to see a few of Matip's ex teammates in our team, not least the man who used to play behind him, Ralf Fahrmann.

[Liverpool]

I think it feels like him not being ****, makes him good He's pretty quiet which isnt a bad trait for a CB, not many storming performances from him

[Doc_Piptorious]

I think it feels like him not being ****, makes him good He's pretty quiet which isnt a bad trait for a CB, not many storming performances from him

He is a good player. Normally very efficient and steady in his play. But not a player that will stand out in a blood and guts kind of way. Am very happy to have him in our team, but would prefer him to be paired with either a new player of real quality in the style of VVD, Laporte, Manolas or even Howedes (the common theme being those guys are strong physical organizer types, not to mention all being damn good footballers too), and if not then I would be willing to gamble of Sakho being put beside him over our other current options.

[frank the tank]

we have a lot more problems to sort out before we upgrade on Matip

[Doc_Piptorious]

we have a lot more problems to sort out before we upgrade on Matip

Yep like putting quality beside him.

[Shaggy]

Under the radar today cos everyone was so good but the creeping concern I had about him has quickly evaporated. Doesn't seem to break sweat when he's in form. He's class.

[BigChief]

Under the radar today cos everyone was so good but the creeping concern I had about him has quickly evaporated. Doesn't seem to break sweat when he's in form. He's class.

I noticed. Some of his anticipation for danger was as good as Salah's anticipation for an end product.

[labourRed]

I've never had any concerns. He's a rolls Royce of a CB. Would be even better with a solid partner.

[Fosterbloke]

Garth Crooks doesn't believe he's the long term solution in our defence... **** off mate!

[Fernandinho]

Garth Crooks doesn't believe he's the long term solution in our defence... **** off mate!

That is pretty much the seal of approval

[RedReet]

"He is good (Matip). I think there will be a big chance he will be ready for Saturday, but there was no chance for this game - it was a little bit too quick, but it’s all good."

[Robbie-9-Fowler]

A mate of mine was at the game behind closed door the club held during the international break, he said Matip pulled up after being lead a merry dance by young Brewster. He said initially he just thought Matip didn't fancy chasing him and with it being a fitness game pulled up but he was having to open up and sprint a lot which looks like it caused the strain.