Pundit Robbie Munro claims that German-born Cameroonian International Joel Matip doesn’t fit in this current Liverpool squad anymore.
Speaking on the 2 Robbies Podcast, Munro was giving his verdict ahead of the start of new Premier League season. He considers Liverpool is going to be the team who can challenge Manchester City for the League Title this term.
Midfield has been their main area of focus after several senior players, which includes Jordan Henderson and Fabinho left the Mersyside club this summer. However, Liverpool also need a new centre-back to partner Virgil van Dijk for upcoming seasons.
Wolfsburg’s Micky Van de Ven was a target for Reds this summer, but Tottanham Hotspur signed him on a five-year contract on Sunday. Meanwhile, we posted an article last month on five centre-backs Liverpool can sign this summer.
Matip has been a reliable partner for Virgil but his current age and fatigue is making his case more worse.
Pundit suggests Joel Matip doesn’t fit in Klopp’s new scheme of plans
Pundit Robbie Munro gave his verdict for Liverpool’s upcoming season :-
“If we still see this upcoming season, a better midfield and plenty of goals, I’m not worried about goals, and they still lose 4-3 and concede a lot of goals, that has to be addressed now.
“Now, if they are going to go with Trent [Alexander-Arnold], which I like, from right-back into midfield to play alongside the holding player, it pushes Mac Allister and Szoboszlai up, brilliant.
“But, Joel Matip doesn’t look comfortable if you say it’s a three on the right side.
“Now, Ibrahima Konate I think can do that a lot better. He always seems to have a little injury or whatever, he’s not a consistent player alongside new captain Virgil van Dijk and then Andy Robertson.
“That’s the key for me.”
In this current pre-season tour, Liverpool has been quite shady at the back. After departure of both Fabinho and Henderson, Reds lack a proper No 6 at the middle of the pitch.
This is the main reason behind Klopp’s desperation to sign Romeo Lavia this summer. However, they’ll also need a new centre-back to take some responsibilities off Virgil van Dijk’s shoulder this season.
Additionally, Trent Alexander-Arnold will play in hybrid midfield role this season. Ibrahima Konate can partner Van Dijk but they need to sign atleast one defender this summer.
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