Liverpool have received a massive boost ahead of the packed Christmas fixture schedule.
Earlier this week, Cameroon boss Hugo Bross claimed that Reds defender Joel Matip is 'prepared to make a comeback' for the national team, and confirmed plans to discuss his participation in the African Cup of Nations.
Speaking to Voetbal Magazine, Bross noted:
“When I took over as coach I asked him [Matip] to return, but he said to me he was not convinced. I’ve heard that he is now prepared to make a comeback and so I am going to go and see him again.”
Luckily for Liverpool, Matip has rejected the chance to represent Cameroon at the AFCON, and Jurgen Klopp confirmed this today during his pre-match press conference:
“I am happy about [that] he decided this. It is good for us. For Joel it is different because he has grown up in Germany. He is a wonderful player".
Matip is vital to Liverpool's defensive solidity, and it's worth pointing out the facts again: With Matip in the team:
* The Reds are yet to lose a game (10 wins in 13 games; 3 draws)
* Liverpool have conceded only 9 goals in 13 games (one every 130 mins), and kept five clean sheets.
* Without Matip, Liverpool have conceded 9 goals in 3 league games (Arsenal, Burnley, and Bournemouth).
Matip is not infallible, though. Last season, Schalke conceded 3 in a single game on ten separate occasions with Matip in the team, so although he's had a great start at Anfield, there will inevitably be games when his presence will not be enough to stem the tide.
* Matip: Reportedly on £100k-a-week
Earlier this week, Cameroon boss Hugo Bross claimed that Reds defender Joel Matip is 'prepared to make a comeback' for the national team, and confirmed plans to discuss his participation in the African Cup of Nations.
Speaking to Voetbal Magazine, Bross noted:
“When I took over as coach I asked him [Matip] to return, but he said to me he was not convinced. I’ve heard that he is now prepared to make a comeback and so I am going to go and see him again.”
Luckily for Liverpool, Matip has rejected the chance to represent Cameroon at the AFCON, and Jurgen Klopp confirmed this today during his pre-match press conference:
“I am happy about [that] he decided this. It is good for us. For Joel it is different because he has grown up in Germany. He is a wonderful player".
Matip is vital to Liverpool's defensive solidity, and it's worth pointing out the facts again: With Matip in the team:
* The Reds are yet to lose a game (10 wins in 13 games; 3 draws)
* Liverpool have conceded only 9 goals in 13 games (one every 130 mins), and kept five clean sheets.
* Without Matip, Liverpool have conceded 9 goals in 3 league games (Arsenal, Burnley, and Bournemouth).
Matip is not infallible, though. Last season, Schalke conceded 3 in a single game on ten separate occasions with Matip in the team, so although he's had a great start at Anfield, there will inevitably be games when his presence will not be enough to stem the tide.
* Matip: Reportedly on £100k-a-week
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