Liverpool: The 10 best LFC transfers of the 2010s
By David Gate
3. Joel Matip
Two years ago I would have been booted off the internet for writing about Joel Matip as the third best Liverpool signing of the decade, but reputations change quickly in football as stars rise and fall.
Matip definitely belongs in the latter category as the Cameroon international has cemented his reputation as one of the best values signings ever to grace the Anfield pitch.
The Reds have let some good talent through the door for nothing but have recruited well too and this move was one of them. On paper, Matip had everything in his locker to succeed: loads of Bundesliga experience with Schalke and an international pedigree, but he struggled at first.
Klopp’s patience and the arrival of van Dijk have seen him transform into the first choice partner for the Dutchman and one of the best ball carrying defenders in the league. The only blot against his name would be the injury record, and the fact that small niggles seem to keep Matip out for months.
Without the two big injury blows during the last two seasons, he would have racked up far more appearances but he’s still been a brilliant signing and typifies the approach taken by Liverpool to bringing in players.
[Profile by Russell Hughes]