Should Liverpool fans start to worry about Joel Matip?
By David Gate
After another sub-standard performance against Manchester City, should Liverpool fans start to worry about the form of defender Joel Matip?
The story over the summer was how we need a new center back. A strong, pacy defender to help lead our defense and shore up a famously leaky backline. The idea was that Dejan Lovren and Ragnar Klavan are not up to job and we need someone to pair with Joel Matip.
However, six games into the season, and we are wondering if we might need two new center halves in January.
The Cameroonian defender arrived in Liverpool last summer on a free transfer and looked a smart piece of business. He was clearly our best defender as we won a Champions League place. And at only 26-years-old was set to be a staple of the Liverpool defense in the prime years of his career.
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A slow start to the season against Watford and Hoffenheim the defender found some against Crystal Palace and Arsenal in the Premier League. Though he has yet to reach the heights of last season, two clean sheets was encouraging.
Yesterday’s dire defensive performance against Manchester City has put a streak of worry back into the minds of Liverpool fans. Matip was not the only player at fault yesterday, but as the senior member of the unit he has to shoulder the most blame. Not least for his lackluster effort for each City goal.
He got caught drifting too close to Trent Alexander-Arnold, exposing Klavan for their first goal. Then was drawn toward the ball again for the second. His second half display came over like a man who wouldn’t put the effort in to spare the fans embarrassment.
Our back four was major concern going into the summer and transfer window did little to change that. If Matip does not show signs of improving very soon then there is very little chance we will be able to compete in the major competitions this season.