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Liverpool are crying out for Joel Matip’s return ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin meeting

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Liverpool take on Everton this Saturday, and Reds fans can be forgiven for being a little concerned.

The Toffees have made a fine start to 2020/21 winning every single game so far and scoring 24 goals across all competitions in the process.

One man who has been a big part of the free-scoring is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who has a personal tally of nine in just six appearances.

FBL-ENG-LCUP-EVERTON-WEST HAM
(Photo by PETER BYRNE/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

The 23-year-old is in the form of his life right now, and will be desperate to continue his run against Liverpool.

The Reds lost 7-2 to Aston Villa before the international break, with the high line seemingly Jurgen Klopp’s side’s downfall.

If they aren’t careful, Everton could also exploit the tactic so it would be no surprise to see them defend a little deeper.

There could also be a change in personnel – Joe Gomez really struggled at Villa Park and could well lose his place.

With Calvert-Lewin next up for Liverpool, the Reds could really do with the return of Joel Matip – who is theoretically the best counter for the England international.

TBR’s View – Matip needed to keep DCL quiet

One of Calvert-Lewin’s greatest qualities is his prowess in the air.

(Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images)

The star has a brilliant leap and wins flick ons and scores goals.

It’s a big part of his game, but £100,000-a-week star Matip (Spotrac) has the tools to counter him perhaps a little better than Gomez.

According to the Liverpool Echo, the Cameroonian has averaged 4.39 aerial duels per 90 minutes at a success rate of 72.55% since January 2019.

That suggests he is the man to deal with Everton’s red-hot number 9, and Klopp may be praying he’ll be fit to play.