Graeme Souness urges Liverpool to move on from Joel Matip
Liverpool legend Graeme Souness has voiced his concerns about the club’s current defensive situation, particularly in relation to Joel Matip and his injury woes. Souness believes that Liverpool should prioritize finding a reliable replacement for Matip (32), given his recurring fitness issues.
Matip has been a valuable asset to Liverpool when fit. However, his consistent struggles with injuries have left a significant void in the heart of Liverpool’s defence at crucial moments. Souness, via ECHO, suggests that the time has come for the club to address this recurring problem. He also added how the £16m fee Liverpool paid for Wataru Endo suggests that he would remain utilised only as a squad player.
“I would like to see them get another central defender as Matip can’t keep himself fit and another central midfielder. Endo, with the money they paid, would suggest he is a squad player.”
Injuries have plagued Matip’s career, preventing him from providing the consistent defensive stability that Liverpool requires. Souness believes that relying on a player with such a history of injuries is not a sustainable solution for a club with Liverpool’s ambitions.
Souness’s assessment extends beyond the defensive line. He also sees the need for Liverpool to bolster their midfield options. While the club secured the services of Wataru Endo during the summer transfer window, Souness suggests that the Japanese midfielder may serve as a squad player rather than a transformative addition to the starting lineup.
Matip Too Old For The Reds?
Liverpool’s midfield has been a topic of discussion in recent seasons, with the departure of key players and the need for reinforcements becoming apparent. Souness’s comments reflect the ongoing debate about the midfield’s composition and quality. With this transfer window making amends in that respect, the focus duly shifts to the backline. The Cameroonian’s deal with the Merseysiders expires in 2024 (Transfermarkt).
While Matip has been reliable more often than not whenever available, his decline has been visibly apparent, and it will only be in the best interests of the club to dig deep into the market and look for suitable alternatives, ideally left-sided centre-backs who can play left-back as well.
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As Liverpool aim to compete at the highest level in both domestic and European competitions, squad depth and reliable fitness become paramount. Souness’s perspective underscores the importance of having robust and dependable options in all areas of the team.
