Premier League: Liverpool Manager says Matip signing was one of Anfield’s best pieces of business in the last few years ⁰

The Reds boss was full of praise for the Cameroon centre-back following his recent defensive displays in the team

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has described the signing of Joel Matip on a free transfer from Schalke 04 as “one of the best pieces of business” the club has done in recent years.

Following the expiry of his contract in the German Bundesliga side, Matip arrived at Anfield on a four-year deal in June 2016 and has established himself in the centre of the Reds’ defence.

According to reports, Liverpool have triggered the option to extend the Cameroon international’s contract with a fresh deal in the pipeline.

Ahead of the Reds’ visit to Sheffield United on Saturday, Klopp praised the progress of the defender and described his move to England as an ‘incredible’ bargain.

“Joel was always an incredible talent. He played as an 18-year-old boy for Schalke in the Bundesliga. It’s a strong league and he played there and was always a standout player, a fixed point in defence,” Klopp said in a press conference.

“Yes he lacked a little bit of consistency, that can happen especially with his physical stature. He doesn’t always look sensational when he moves, but he grew and developed.

“In a world of big transfer fees, to sign a player like Joel Matip on a free transfer is incredible. It was maybe one of the best pieces of business we did in the last few years.”

Matip has featured in five of Liverpool’s six Premier League matches this season and has notched in two goals to his name, including the equaliser in their FA Community Shield loss to Manchester City in August.

Klopp is satisfied with the 28-year-old’s form as Liverpool are not only unbeaten in the English top-flight but have also won every one of their league outings so far.

“When Joel played or Dejan played, they are really good players. We have no issue in that position,” he added.

“That doesn’t mean they are perfect and won’t make mistakes, but they won’t make them too often. Joel is in a really good moment, long, long may it continue.”

Source: Goal.com