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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Matt C Jones

Jermaine Jenas names Liverpool star who is 'so underrated' after Arsenal victory

Former England international midfielder Jermaine Jenas has hailed Liverpool defender Joel Matip after his display against Arsenal in the Premier League on Wednesday.

The Reds produced a professional performance at the Emirates Stadium, winning 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Diogo Jota and Roberto Firmino.

However, the team had to overcome a flurry of Arsenal pressure in the first period, with the defensive solidity provided by Matip and centre-back partner Virgil van Dijk key to Liverpool coming through unscathed.

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While Van Dijk has long been heralded as the leader of the Liverpool defence, Matip has been a fundamental piece alongside him. The Cameroon international was named as Gary Neville's man of the match on Sky Sports' broadcast of the fixture.

Jenas was also impressed with the performance of the 30-year-old and took to social media to suggest he is still under appreciated.

"I know Liverpool fans know that he’s a top player.. but Joel Matip is so underrated," said the former Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur player.

While Reds fans have long known the quality of the centre-back, it does feel as though he is received more widespread acclaim this term.

Matip earned the Premier League Player of the Month award for February after a string of stellar performances, helping Liverpool preserve their excellent defensive record and getting on the scoresheet himself in the 6-0 hammering of Leeds.

Like Van Dijk, he has recovered superbly after a serious injury last season, establishing himself as part of Jurgen Klopp's first-choice centre-back duo ahead of Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate.

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