Matip: I am just happy the ball finally went in


If there is one player who sums up the feel good factor of Liverpool it is Joel Matip.


Times have undoubtedly been tough over the past two years, but the central defender has a remarkable knack of putting a smile on your face even if he is oblivious to what he has done.

While Matip doesn’t have a active presence on social media, you only have to take a glance at the No Context tribute page on Twitter that shows he is a proper character and a terrific influence on the rest of the squad.

 
If Alisson’s remarkable headed goal against West Brom last season was the moment of a very emotional season for all concerned with the club, then Matip’s strike in Liverpool’s 6-0 thumping of Leeds on Wednesday evening could be a prime candidate for this campaign.

Virgil Van Dijk can play a killer cross-field ball, his central defensive partner has made a habit of making marauding mazy runs deep from defence which often can ignite an attack.



Indeed the only thing missing has been a end product for Matip, but in the 30th minute, there was a triumphant moment when he combined beautifully with Mo Salah before finishing in a fashion that any striker would be delighted with.


The delight from Liverpool fans, coaches and players alike was universal and Matip had his first goal of the season.


 Speaking to the Official Site, he gave a lot of the credit to the Egyptian.


 "I went forward and Mo gave to me just a brilliant pass,”


 "I didn’t have to stop at all, I just could continue my run and it was the best pass. I didn’t have to think a lot because the ball directly came in front of me and I am happy that after a few tries, the ball finally goes in!”


Matip said that he does try to perfect the art of carrying the ball out from the back during training sessions as it can be a benefit for the team.


"Because sometimes I think it suits me and I think it’s also not too easy for the opposing team because they have to adjust, at one point somebody has to come to me and then another player is free. If it helps the team I think it’s not too bad.

 Matip was one of a number of key players that missed a large chunk of the last campaign through long-term injury.

The 30 year-old is on track to make his most appearances in a season for the club which currently stands at 35 in the 2017/8 season.

 As it stands, Matip is on 29 appearances and says a lot of it has to do with a strong pre-season and the fine work of the medical team.

"It started there. It was the base, we did it with the fitness team, with the medical team. They really take care [of us] but sometimes you have no influence on it and even before that we worked hard. But I am happy that I am fit now and hopefully it stays like this. 


"In a personal way it is good that I had no injuries so far. I hope it will stay like this and yeah, to play with this team, everybody is lifting each other up and it’s just great to play with the quality of these teammates. To be there on the pitch, to play for Liverpool, it’s just great.

 Matip described the result as “wonderful  against a opponent that plays in a unique way” but is now truly focused on the Carabao Cup final against Chelsea on Sunday.



“Everybody is looking forward to this game. Chelsea, great team, Wembley, great stadium, and a great chance to win a trophy.”