Joel Matip is officially a Liverpool player now after The Reds confirmed the news on their website claiming that the player is ready to join his new teammates ahead of club’s pre-season preparations.
Jurgen Klopp kick starts his pre-season drills later this Saturday where Matip is expected to feature along with the other summer signings Sadio Mane, Loris Karius and Marko Grujic.
Matip, 24 signed for Liverpool on a free transfer and was one of the first piece of transfer business done in the Klopp era at Anfield. The Reds are currently linked with several players concerning a summer switch including Klopp’s former player Neven Subotic.
What does Matip’s signing mean for Liverpool?
Last season we saw how Liverpool struggled at the back with the uncertain presence of Dejan Lovren, Mamadou Sakho and Kolo Toure. On the contrary, Matip enjoyed a steady and successful season with Schalke.
Now that the 24-year old is set to start for Liverpool next season, Anfield faithfulls can be assured of a commanding presence in their central defense. Matip is expected to start alongside Lovren or Sakho while Nathaniel Clyne and Joe Gomez will be asked to cover the full-back areas.
Predicted Liverpool line-up featuring Mane and Matip
Klopp could go in with a 4-2-3-1 system wherein Mane would start from the right hand side while Roberto Firmino and Philippe Coutinho playing in behind the lone striker Daniel Sturridge pending on his form and fitness.
Divock Origi could be the wildcard yet again where he could feature in over 25 games next season given the flurry of goals he had during the tail end of last season. Midfield would be guarded with Emre Can and Jordan Henderson while James Milner being an able option from the bench.