Liverpool fans have shared light-hearted jokes about Joel Matip and his runs from defence to help move the ball forward, but it’s more than just funny to see the big fella gallop into the opposition half.
The Cameroonian does something that other defenders are often too scared to attempt, and that’s the play the ball out from the back on the ground.
Typically, a centre half may pass it around the back line until something better becomes available, but Matip doesn’t like to wait around for too long.
With Virgil van Dijk, who loves a 70-yard pass, the duo are a great combination. Matip’s distribution was picked up on by Ian Wright after Liverpool’s 1-0 win against Sheffield United, and he can explain it better than I.
Have a watch of the video below (via BBC Sport):
Great analysis from Ian Wright on how Joel Matip has added a new dimension to Liverpool’s build-up play with his bravery & ability on-the-ball https://t.co/cKSWO7pkJ2
— Premier League Panel (@PremLeaguePanel) September 29, 2019