Klopp: Signing Matip is one of our best bits of business

He may have signed some truly world class talent in his managerial career but in the mind of Jurgen Klopp, the signing of Joel Matip is one his best bits of transfer business.

The underrated defender had a frustrating first two seasons since signing as a free from German club Schalke in the summer of 2016.

It was clear that he had some qualities, but he also had a knack of picking up seemingly innocuous injuries which saw him sidelined for long periods, which in turn meant that he lacked any sort of continuity to his performance.

He has a imposing frame for a CB (6’5 and 86kg), but it seemed like his casual nature translated to the pitch and he didn’t use his assets as much as he should. 

Perhaps it was just a case that he needed a strong partner to bring the best out of him.

Matip was certainly on the periphery during the early stages of last season, where Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez were forming a formidable partnership.

When Gomez went down with a serious leg injury against Burnley, a starting opportunity opened up which he grabbed, only to succumb to a cruel Collarbone injury in the final seconds against Napoli in the crucial Champions League group clash.

It appeared like the stars were aligning against the Cameroon defender in terms of his Reds career.

However, another opportunity came up early in the new year when Dejan Lovren fell victim to a hamstring injury.

This time around, Matip was willing and able to properly grab hold of his chance.

Since late January, Virgil Van Dijk and Matip have been the best partnership in the Premier League and arguably in all of Europe.

Matip has also developed a cult following with his mazy runs from the heart of defence which is another sign of his growing confidence in his game.

Reflecting on signing the 28 year-old in his pre-match press conference ahead of the game against Sheffield United, the manager was unequivocal in his thoughts about the player.

The Liverpool Echo reported Klopp as saying:

“In a world of big transfer fees, signing Joel on free transfer was incredible, one of the best pieces of business we did.”

Klopp also discussed the ups and downs of Matip’s time with the club and said that is what comes with the territory for a footballer.

“That’s what happens with footballers, with human beings, they grow.

“With the challenges you have, you grow. Joel was always an incredible talent. He was 18 playing for Schalke, that's not easy.”

Matip remains one of the few names who have not committed their future to the club, but you get a sense that it won’t be long before he puts pen to paper.