Joel Matip

[joe_fishfish]

Shit in the air given his height and could do with being a bit stronger too. As everyone else with a brain has said, put him alongside a dominant physical centre back who doesn't constantly fuck up and he's gonna look so much better.

[TheHowieLama]

He is a very clever defender - rarely do you see him on the wrong side of his man or rushing into challenges. He has shut down the leagues top big men by playing on their back and nicking the ball away more often than just steaming in. Watch how many times a CF tries to take the ball down and he gets a foot in even before the ball can hit the floor.

 

Some observers take that as a sign of weakness instead of what it is - good defending.

[G Richards]

Good defender, no problems at all with him. Well, niggly injuries last season, I suppose, but usually he's fit and on the pitch.

 

Like everyone else can see, stick him next to a much better option, a VVD or equivalent, and it will be very good indeed.

[Jay86]

He's not a yard dog, ale-house brute, that's for sure. His positioning, and his ability on the ball, are fucking great. Partnered with VVD... good times.

Yea he’s definitely not but to a certain degree a top centre back needs to be, Pique puts people into stands when he has to so does Bonucci and they’re two of the best ball playing centre backs I’ve ever. With Van Dijk in theory it should work and be brilliant because Matip is comfortable on the ball and so is Van Dijk but where Van Dijk differs is he’s so physically dominant to go with it.

[Jay86]

He is a very clever defender - rarely do you see him on the wrong side of his man or rushing into challenges. He has shut down the leagues top big men by playing on their back and nicking the ball away more often than just steaming in. Watch how many times a CF tries to take the ball down and he gets a foot in even before the ball can hit the floor.

 

Some observers take that as a sign of weakness instead of what it is - good defending.

But like a lot of our players sometimes he tries to be too clever and fucks up. A few times he’s tried step back when it’s up in the air instead of challenging for it and the opposition has turned him and brushed him aside. He’s weak as piss, for his height he should be a lot stronger and a lot better in the air. He’s the best defender at the club by a distance though.

[TheHowieLama]

Thats part of the game though. If he steams through it and does not win the ball there could be a clear chance as well.

 

TBH I think , at least once, a lucky bounce ended up in the wrong place.

[aws]

Good player but not outstanding. Would be happy to see him competing for the 2nd/3rd CB spot but we desperately need someone to lead our defence .

[Numero Veinticinco]

He is a very clever defender - rarely do you see him on the wrong side of his man or rushing into challenges. He has shut down the leagues top big men by playing on their back and nicking the ball away more often than just steaming in. Watch how many times a CF tries to take the ball down and he gets a foot in even before the ball can hit the floor.

 

Some observers take that as a sign of weakness instead of what it is - good defending.

Yeah. I can't believe people have an issue with him too be honest. I think he's really, really good.

[Dave D]

A centre back that can score from corners when we are attacking.....oh how we were spoiled

 

 

[Red House]

To be fair, it is easier to score with your head than your cock, which is what our centre-backs are required to do now with the bollocks-height service they receive from our corner takers. 

[VladimirIlyich]

To be fair, it is easier to score with your head than your cock, which is what our centre-backs are required to do now with the bollocks-height service they receive from our corner takers.

Have they ever tried using their cock and balls as a foot?

[lifetime fan]

Have they ever tried using their cock and balls down by their foot?

 

 

 

Need Igor back for that.

[jimmycase]

All I want to see is Joel clearing the ball out of defence or, giving an 'easy' ball to midfield for them to play the long pass up front.

[Numero Veinticinco]

All I want to see is Joel clearing the ball out of defence or, giving an 'easy' ball to midfield for them to play the long pass up front.

Then just watch any game he has ever played?

[jimmycase]

Then just watch any game he has ever played?

 

He's given the ball too frequently by supposedly better players at doing this and ends up just punting it anywhere upfield. And Im at every PL home game so I see plenty of it.

[Numero Veinticinco]

ends up just punting it anywhere upfield.

Nah.

[jimmycase]

Nah.

 

I rate Matip. But he's no Jocky.

[Dave D]

Matip isnt at fault for today by any means, but Im not having this "look how good he'll be if we sign x y or z"

 

Good players are good players regardless. 

 

Matips defending is no more than a 7/10 and poses almost no attacking threat.

[Joey8FrogsLegs]

Matip isnt at fault for today by any means, but Im not having this "look how good he'll be if we sign x y or z"

 

Good players are good players regardless.

 

Matips defending is no more than a 7/10 and poses almost no attacking threat.

He's been disappointing so far this season, but is still our best defender by some distance.

 

We have made utter crap deliveries from corners one of our trademarks, so hard to tell if he could be a threat from set pieces or not. TAA took a couple of corners in one game, can't remember which one, and we immediately looked dangerous. Very strange that in a large squad of overpaid professionals only one can hit a decent corner.

[Tony Moanero]

[Dave D]

He's definately the best of an average bunch but he's had 14 months to show how good he is at attacking corners.......

 

I want him to do well, but dont agree that he gets a pass as its down to those around him.

 

Good players dont need excuses.

 

Salah, Mane, Coutinho- our only good players and it shows week in and week out 

[Dave D]

In fairness to Mourinho, he doesnt seem too fussed admitting that Lindeloff might be shite.

[TheHowieLama]

If he is 7/10 defending for you - I have seen enough of him both playing it forward and making forays himself to know we can agree he can play a little.

 

Still - cursed the fuckin blert for kicking it off the other fellas today.

[VladimirIlyich]

He's definately the best of an average bunch but he's had 14 months to show how good he is at attacking corners.......

 

I want him to do well, but dont agree that he gets a pass as its down to those around him.

 

Good players dont need excuses.

 

Salah, Mane, Coutinho- our only good players and it shows week in and week out

Mane was shit today and pretty ordinary on Tuesday night too. He is now officially crap.

[G Richards]

I think Matip is a good player. He needs a proper partner, hopefully it will be VVD. Lovren can then bump to no.3.