Joel Matip of Liverpool no longer seems a ‘perfect fit’ in Jurgen Klopp’s system according to pundit Robbie Mustoe, who featured on The 2 Robbies Podcast before the season begins.
Liverpool defend Joel Matip can’t fit in Klopp’s system anymore
Several veteran players have left Anfield throughout the course of this summer. Jordan Henderson, the captain, and James Milner, the vice-captain, have both left the team. Virgil van Dijk was given the captain’s armband by Jurgen Klop but there are still more arrivals scheduled for the remaining weeks of the transfer window. They have concentrated their efforts on the midfield at present, but signing a center-back is also a possibility . This summer, Micky Van de Ven had been a target for Liverpool, but he has decided to join Tottenham.
Due to uncertainties around Joel Matip’s future in the Liverpool team, Klopp might be looking for a backup defender. When he was fit, the 32-year-old centre back has consistently been Van Dijk’s partner in Liverpool’s bacline. The Cameroonian international, though, doesn’t seem to benefit from his recent position shift at the back in Klopp’s new formation.
The centre defender, who earns £100,000 per week, is exceptionally good at game reading. However, he lacks athletic pace. Firstly, the Liverpool’s defence appears to be quite exposed due to the absence of a true number six. Additionally, Liverpool’s defending suffers greatly when Trent Alexander-Arnold plays higher up the pitch. Therefore Matip simply isn’t suited to the pace needed in Liverpool’s new style under Klopp.
Robbie Mustoe prefers Ibrahima Konate in Red’s new formation
Pundit Robbie Mustoe stated: “If we still see this upcoming season, a better midfield and plenty of goals, I’m not worried about goals, and they still lose 4-3 and concede a lot of goals, that has to be addressed now.”
“Now, if they are going to go with Trent [Alexander-Arnold], which I like, from right-back into midfield to play alongside the holding player, it pushes Mac Allister and Szoboszlai up, brilliant.”
“But, Joel Matip doesn’t look comfortable if you say it’s a three on the right side.”
“Now, Ibrahima Konate I think can do that a lot better. He always seems to have a little injury or whatever, he’s not a consistent player alongside new captain Virgil van Dijk and then Andy Robertson.”
“That’s the key for me.”
Hence, it looks like Matip might have to make deal with a spot on the bench this year.
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