Whilst he may not be able to crack the starting eleven when Jurgen Klopp has everyone fit and firing, Joel Matip is still an important player at Anfield, and the fans want to see him starting tomorrow against Bournemouth. The Reds host Eddie Howe’s side, and are thin at the back, leading to arguments amongst fans over how they should line up.
Fabinho alongside VVD in defence; Hendo, Wijnaldum & Keita in midfield, anyone?
— Empire of the Kop (@empireofthekop) February 8, 2019
Some fans are keen to see Fabinho drop into the back line alongside Virgil van Dijk, however, with their upcoming clash against Bayern Munich being a game that their dominant Dutch stopper isn’t available for, the fans are keen for Matip to get some minutes in. The Cameroonian international has started the club’s last three Premier League clashes, and he could be set to make it four on the spin tomorrow.
The stats with Matip in the side are extremely worrying, though. The 27-year-old has started six games this season, and the Reds have conceded six goals in those games. However, in the other 19 games, they’ve only two goals more than that figure, with eight shipped in that time. That stat will be worrying for the Reds, and whilst the Cherries may not be enough to worry them, the threat of Bayern Munich in Europe certainly will.
You can read the Reds’ calls for Matip here:
Stop scapegoating Matip after 2 fairly good performances. Defence will improve with Trent back at RB. Keep Fab at DM
— Raj Chohan (@rajsinghchohan) February 8, 2019
https://twitter.com/joel80_sa/status/1093789588315881472
Matip to partner VVD and Fabinho holding mid. Gini and Hendo in midfield and Shaq/Keita impact subs.
— GaryMc (@gary_mcd) 8 February 2019
https://twitter.com/JBlatchly47/status/1093820604782919680
Matip has not been exactly bad – would still have him in defence
— Patrick Rutagwera (@Rutagwera) February 8, 2019
Fabinho at RB. Matip partners VVD in defence.
— BaZac (@fcoffee) February 8, 2019
No, we need our best players in their best positions, besides Matip can handle bloody Bournemouth.
— Wolfy (@wolfymoore) February 8, 2019
Matip next to Virgil. Fabinho in midfield. Don’t think Keita’s done enough to warrant a start yet.
— Ben (@Benlfc85) February 8, 2019
https://twitter.com/merseyred91/status/1093812540545662977
The Kopites are keen to see Matip make it four Premier League starts in a row, even if the numbers suggest that isn’t the best idea.
