Liverpool predicted XI vs Arsenal: Premier League opener

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool gives a drink to Roberto Firmino of Liverpool during the International Champions Cup match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on August 6, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 06: Jurgen Klopp, Manager of Liverpool gives a drink to Roberto Firmino of Liverpool during the International Champions Cup match between Liverpool and Barcelona at Wembley Stadium on August 6, 2016 in London, England. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
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BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND - JULY 08: Joel Matip of Liverpool warms up during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Tranmere Rovers and Liverpool at Prenton Park on July 8, 2016 in Birkenhead, England. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images)
BIRKENHEAD, ENGLAND – JULY 08: Joel Matip of Liverpool warms up during the Pre-Season Friendly match between Tranmere Rovers and Liverpool at Prenton Park on July 8, 2016 in Birkenhead, England. (Photo by Dave Thompson/Getty Images)

CB Joel Matip

Liverpool didn’t bring in the Cameroonian to sit on the bench behind Ragnar Klavan.

I’m extremely excited to see Matip gracefully maraud the pitch for Liverpool and work on set pieces.

When’s the last time the club has had someone of his size to aim for? Andy Carroll and Christian Benteke, surprisingly, were largely useless on attacking set pieces. Matip scored three goals last season for Schalke in the Bundesliga. The club finally has an adequate target to aim on every attacking dead ball, one that’ll squeeze some more goals in.

The central defender is limber and quick for being 6’4″ and will help stabilize the defense, an upgrade on Kolo Toure and Skrtel.

Next: CB Dejan Lovren