Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hails Joel Matip after defender signs new deal

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Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has lavished praise on ‘world-class’ Joel Matip, after the defender penned a new deal at Anfield.

The 28-year-old has agreed fresh terms with the Reds as a reward for his brilliant form over the past year.

The star, who joined Liverpool on a free transfer in 2016, became a crucial player for Liverpool in 2018/19 in their bids for the Premier League and the Champions League.

His performances were colossal at the back alongside Virgil van Dijk, and his contributions in the eventual Champions League triumph were significant.

The news has delighted Reds fans, and manager Klopp has lauded the former Schalke man.

He said (liverpoolfc.com): “I knew what he was capable of from seeing him up close in the Bundesliga and we were certain he could bring that performance level to us.

“Joel has been operating as a world-class centre-half throughout this year and long may it continue.

“Off the pitch, Joel is one of the nicest, most humble guys you could wish to meet, but on it he is a fighter, someone who gives everything to try to help the team get the victory. He has a winner’s mentality.”

TBR’s view – Matip new deal is thoroughly deserved

Without doubt, Matip deserves his new contract as his consistency has been remarkable over the past year.

Few would have anticipated such a brilliant emergence given his early struggles in English football, but fans who doubted him are delighted he has blossomed.

Matip has finally proven himself at Anfield, and he will make life very difficult for Gomez to break back into the starting XI.