Matip

Ref.Liverpoolfc.com

Joel Matip is a dependable centre-half who joined Liverpool in July 2016 following the expiry of his Schalke contract.

Jürgen Klopp closely observed the No.32 while in charge of Borussia Dortmund and earmarked him as a potential recruit shortly before taking over the reins at Anfield.

A defender more than comfortable with the ball at his feet and not afraid to venture forwards, Matip was a hit among supporters during his first season at club. He opened his goalscoring account for the Reds in October 2016, powerfully heading in at Crystal Palace.

Matip was a prominent figure for Klopp's side in the following campaign, but an untimely thigh issue in April saw him miss out on the 2018 Champions League final.

His 2018-19 season was also threatened to be disrupted by a broken collarbone sustained in December. However, Matip returned to the fold a month later and went on to become one of Liverpool's most consistent performers en route to winning the European Cup and having the Premier League's best defensive record.  

Incredible performances alongside Virgil van Dijk against Barcelona in both legs of the semi-final were followed up by a typically assured outing in the Madrid final, whch included a key assist for Divock Origi.

Then, in October 2019, Liverpool announced Matip had signed a new long-term contract with the club.