Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip shares his thoughts on Virgil van Dijk’s return from injury and Ibrahima Konate
In conversation with Liverpoolfc.com for the official club magazine, Liverpool defender Joel Matip shared his delight at Virgil van Dijk’s return from injury and the addition of Ibrahima Konate over the summer.
Liverpool were initially being targeted by some fans for their lack of activity in the summer transfer window but the club has managed to defend its stance after a great start to this campaign.
The Reds were struggling with injuries last season and Jurgen Klopp seems to have gotten things sorted at the back with the return of the Dutch defender and the inclusion of another centre-back from RB Leipzig.
Joel Matip has shared his views on the former Southampton defender and his form since his return from injury:
“It has been great for me to play alongside Virgil again. It was a long time for him to be out and I am really happy to see him back on the pitch. He’s the complete centre-back. He is calm with the ball and great against the ball. He is a leader when we are playing and we missed him, but now he is back and that is good for us.”
Virgil van Dijk has been a reassuring presence at the back. This is a welcome sight for all the people associated with the club. His leadership at the back has helped anchor the team and provide more stability for the Reds as compared to the chaos of last season.
Matip also spoke about Liverpool’s only summer recruit for the senior team, Konate, and how he is settling in since his move:
“Ibou is settling in really good. It always takes some time to settle in general and in the defence to get a good connection.”
The 22-year-old defender has enjoyed a good start to life with the Merseysiders and has managed to keep clean sheets in all competitive matches that he has started for the Anfield outfit. He is still getting used to life at Liverpool but could definitely be a great asset for the club in the future if he continues his development in the same manner.
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The Reds are currently undefeated this season. They are 2nd in the Premier League, just one point behind leaders Chelsea and are situated on the top of their UEFA Champions League group at the moment. The Liverpudlians would love for them to continue in this fashion throughout the campaign and secure silverware for the club going forward.
