Carragher: Matip has made a difference to Liverpool

Jamie Carragher believes that Joel Matip is firming as being Virgil Van Dijk’s long term partner in the heart of the Liverpool defence.

As someone who knows the position like the back of his hand, Carragher has been greatly impressed with what he has seen from the Cameroon International since he took possession of the role in the early part of 2019.

The Mirror(via Sky Sports) reported Carragher as saying:

“ I think this fella [Matip], because you're alongside Virgil van Dijk, he doesn't get talked about a lot. 

“That's normal, the other fella next to him is a superstar.

"But I couldn't believe he didn't start the season And his performances at the back end of last season were outstanding. 

“And actually when he's come in I think he's actually made a difference to Liverpool.

“Obviously Joe Gomez can play right-back or centre-back, but for me at this moment it looks a bit more solid with Matip in there. 

“He should be [first choice]. I think he is right now.

Just like any good team, competition for places is fierce and Carragher believes it is a healthy problem for Jurgen Klopp to have.  

“ You need that within a squad. 

“ I always feel in a team there should be seven or eight absolute starters who know they are playing as soon as they are fit and everyone knows they are playing, and there should always be three or four positions up for grabs.

“In this Liverpool team there are three or four positions up for grabs – the centre-back position and probably the centre-midfield positions either side of Fabinho.

He also believes the midfield three can be interchangeable but the front three are in a class of their own.

"The players who have got the shirt now [Jordan Henderson and Georginio Wijnaldum] are first choice but you could easily see Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain going in there, Naby Keita when he's fit, James Milner.

“And the front three naturally picks itself.”