Garth Crooks raves about Liverpool star who was ‘formidable’ in 7-0 win

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Garth Crooks has heaped praise on Liverpool defender Joel Matip, naming him in his Team of the Week after a 7-0 win over Crystal Palace at the weekend.

The centre-back was in fine form against the Eagles as Liverpool enjoyed a comprehensive rout over the Premier League champions.

Jurgen Klopp is heavily reliant on the 29-year-old at the moment with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez both nursing long-term injury problems.

The £100,000-a-week enjoyed a solid afternoon at Selhurst Park and Crooks was mightily impressed with the player.

He told BBC Sport: “Matip hasn’t found it easy to settle in at Liverpool, especially since the arrival of Virgil van Dijk, but the Cameroonian looks very impressive alongside the combative Fabinho. Together they’re becoming formidable.

“Matip is also proving to be very dangerous in the opposition’s penalty area and gave Crystal Palace nightmares on set-pieces.

“Van Dijk’s absence through injury, and that of Joe Gomez, has forced Reds boss Jurgen Klopp to use Matip and Fabinho as a partnership and they have developed in areas they once struggled.”

TBR View – Matip needs to edge back to 2018/19 form

Last season was a tough one for the Cameroon defender as he struggled to stay fit throughout the campaign.

His form during 2018/19, however, was nothing short of devastating alongside Van Dijk.

The pair were rarely breached and helped Liverpool claim the Champions League title.

Matip featured in 31 games in all competitions during that campaign and started to show supporters what he is all about.

Liverpool boss Klopp desperately needs the defender to get back towards that sort of form.

With the treatment room awash with defenders, the champions can ill-afford another senior centre-back to be out injured.

All of a sudden Matip is a vitally important player for Liverpool.