There is perhaps no better player on the free transfer market than Joel Matip, who left an indelible mark on Liverpool supporters during his eight seasons at Anfield.
There were times when he could make a case for being one of the best defenders the Premier League has to offer, and other times when one questioned whether it was time for Liverpool to cut their losses.
This encapsulates Matip’s rollercoaster at Anfield, from emerging as an automatic starter to falling to the bottom of the table and then back to normal again. He is a player of incredible ability, but whose physical condition often causes his stamina to decline.
But when he was on the pitch he rarely got the wide recognition he deserved. Maybe it was because he was mostly with Virgil van Dijk, or maybe others didn’t see what we were doing.
A player ready to take risks with his predatory runs, an intelligent and ambitious opponent willing to do the dirty work when he targets him instead of his hulking centre-back partner – they soon learnt!
Liverpool had Matip for eight seasons, which will always be regarded as one of the best free transfers ever.
lovely giant
“If you want to surprise people, it’s better to do it in a positive way,” Matip said. times In 2019, he certainly achieved that.
A cult hero loved by his teammates and players, the centre-back’s dramatic yet serious reactions on and off the pitch led to the creation of a Twitter account (now known as X) in his honour.
‘No Context Joel Matip’ is a parody account, but it has no malicious intent whatsoever and is rather a place where supporters can embrace everything about him.
But you can’t get to that level without recognising his talent and what he’s contributed to Liverpool.
And perhaps Jurgen Klopp said it best when he declared: “In all the years I’ve been involved in football, I don’t think I’ve met many players more beloved than Joel Matip.”
He arrived on a free transfer from Schalke in the summer of 2016, and his aerial ability and pace made him a clear fit for Jurgen Klopp’s system.
As the season progressed, his confidence grew and his runs down the field became a feature of his game, an adventure that even he had no idea how it would end.
Even Virgil van Dijk joked that he was “hoping for the best” from Matip when his defense was lacking.
He may not always look graceful with the ball at his feet, but he’s great at opening up space for his teammates and even has an eye for an assist. Just ask Divock Origi!
Matip has scored goals in every season except the last. He ended the season with 11 goals and was a player who prized consistency, although he wasn’t always consistent.
Highs and Lows
The 32-year-old has played an average of 32.6 games in his first three seasons and has competed for a place with the likes of Joe Gomez, Dejan Lovren and Van Dijk.
He was never able to surpass that appearance record in a single campaign again until 2021/22, with the previous two seasons being riddled with injuries.
Matip can only manage 1,910 minutes. combined He made 22 starts and 3 substitute appearances in the 2019/20 and 2020/21 seasons.
At this point, the debate over his future has been constant, as fans and pundits alike weigh his obvious liabilities and his ability to remain healthy.
But the Cameroonian has resolutely ended any suggestions that his Anfield career is over and has proven doubters wrong by making the most appearances for the Reds in 2021/22.
Incredibly, he played 43 games in all competitions as Klopp’s side chased a fourth win, scoring three goals and providing three assists along with defensive duties.
He had been at the bottom of the table the previous summer, but he soon turned that around and played a key role in the Reds fielding a dangerously high line – a tribute to his strength of character.
Gradually the outside world became aware of his abilities, and for several months he could be said to have surpassed Van Dijk as the best defender in the league.
Could there be a greater compliment than this?
red for life
The rollercoaster ride continued into the 2022/23 season, with injuries hampering even his final season at the club, none more so than when he tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) against Fulham at Anfield.
You knew then that it was the last time you would see Matip on the pitch as a Liverpool player. This was a difficult reality to accept.
His larger-than-life personality made him a character we all loved to love, and it was always clear that the playgroup felt the same way.
He left us with countless memories and moments that will not be easily forgotten, but perhaps the way he celebrated his first League Cup win is why he is so loved.
Pure passion and excitement, instinct comes first, thought comes second. We haven’t heard much from him in years, but he’s shown everything the fans want to see on the pitch.
Klopp summed up the sentiment nicely: “I’ve said before that if there’s anyone who doesn’t mind being underrated, it’s Joel, but the truth is we couldn’t rate him higher.
“He not only set the standard for himself, but he also set the standard for others, and that is one of the main reasons why his time here was so successful.”
Matip leaves with 201 appearances, five trophies and a loyal fan base that hopes for the best for him. Thanks for all the memories, Joel!
