It can be tough to shine in a defence that contains Virgil Van Dijk. The Dutchman is regarded by many as the best centre-back in Europe, most likely in the world too. And this has been the case for the best part of four years.
And yet, Joel Matip’s performance levels this season means that he’s been able to do just that. There was an expectancy that with the arrival of Ibrahima Konate, plus the return of Joe Gomez, Matip’s place in the Liverpool defensive pecking order would fall.
Yet the reality has been quite the opposite. He’s been Van Dijk’s most consistent partner and is on course to accumulate his most Premier League appearance in a single season, something he will achieve should he play in seven of Liverpool’s remaining nine league matches.
