'Mamma Mia' - Liverpool Player Scores Screamer In Pre-Season Training
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Joel Matip might have a fight on his hands to keep his starting place at Liverpool next season, but he’s already making quite the impression in pre-season training.
The Liverpool defender scored a sensational solo goal yesterday.
Nicking the ball away from Roberto Firmino, riding a few challenges, and then nonchalantly poking the ball into the back of the net past a helpless Marcelo Pitaluga between the sticks. It’s what Matip does!
As heard on Liverpool’s Twitter, Jürgen Klopp couldn’t help but comment on Matip’s work, exclaiming “you can see the joy in his face!” before Klopp’s assistant Pep Lijnders chimes in with a “Mamma Mia!”
Stop that, Joel 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/Q2WUWfJHnq
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 7, 2022
Matip isn’t averse to a forward run when playing for Liverpool, even away from the training pitch.
His ability to beat a few men and kickstart an attack became something of a trademark for the Cameroonian last season, as he enjoyed his best year in a Liverpool shirt to date.
The 30-year-old was rejuvenated by Virgil Van Dijk’s return from injury last term after a difficult 2020/21 campaign for the Liverpool defence.
Matip’s high performance was motivated to some extent by the fierce competition for a starting spot at the heart of Jürgen Klopp’s backline.
Virgil Van Dijk is the first name on the team sheet every week, but debate continues over who exactly his best centre-back partner is.
Last term, Joel Matip was his main partner in domestic competition, starting 31 Premier League games for Liverpool. He hadn’t started over 20 since the 2017/18 season.
In the Champions League, however, Klopp tended to stick with Ibrahima Konaté who arrived at Anfield last season from RB Leipzig.
His starting spot is far from a given, and Matip did well to play as many games as he did.
Next term, things will likely become even more difficult for Matip.
Joe Gomez has signed a new contract and, after a successful first season at Anfield, Konaté will be demanding more game time.
That said, if Matip keeps performing how he has been in the early days of pre-season, it’ll be difficult for Jürgen Klopp to keep him out of his side.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy
Topics: Joel Matip, Jurgen Klopp, Liverpool, Virgil Van Dijk, Premier League
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