Joel Matip: The Liverpool unsung hero setting the world on fire

What a player Joel Matip has turn out to be be. The former Schalke 04 defender has grown in stature and class and without doubt, one of the best defender in the world.

His partnership with Van Dijk have been sensational, both men have created the perfect platform for Liverpool to win 16 consecutive matches on the spin.

Liverpool are yet to lose a game in their opening seven matches of the season and that success is completely down to Matip and his defensive partners who ensures they limit the number of goals going in while contributing upfront.

They're times this season when Van Dijk have really struggled to impose himself on the game but thanks to the presence of Matip whose tackles are timely; aerial prowess sensational and ball distribution phenomenal, Van Dijk have been left off the hook.

What makes Matip very special is that he is the only defender in the world who dribbles his way past players when surging forward. Matip can dribble past 3 to 4 players while blazing through before laying off an incisive pass to score a goal.

He has scored 3 goals this season and provided 1 assists in all competition this season. Statistically, he has won more aerial duels, physical battles and won more interceptions than any other defender in Europe's five top leagues.

He is the best piece of business Liverpool have done in a long time and his manager Jurgen Klopp recently admitted the 26- year-old Cameroonian is a world class defender.

This season Liverpool are hoping to win the Premier League title along with retaining the Champions League and if their to achieve that fate, they've to keep Joel Matip fresh and motivated.

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