Klopp hails duo as the two best free transfers in history
Martin Macdonald
- 9 Feb 2022 10:47 CST
- 3 min read
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has heaped praise on defender Joel Matip for his contributions to the club since arriving from Schalke.
In February of 2016, the Reds announced the signing of Matip, who was to arrive that summer on a free transfer following the expiration of his contract with the German side.
Though he has suffered from injuries throughout his Liverpool career, he has emerged as a key player under Jurgen Klopp and is currently the number one partner of choice for Virgil van Dijk.
Even though the likes of Dejan Lovren, Joe Gomez and Ibrahima Konate have been around, Matip always seems to retain the support of Klopp whenever he is fit.
TRENDING
While Liverpool suffered a defensive crisis in the 2020/21 campaign which severely hurt their title defence, they have emerged largely unscathed at the back so far in the current season.
“Top, absolutely top,” Klopp said of the Cameroonian.
“We had too many injuries in the centre-half position in the last few years, that's how it is, that's why we struggled at times.
“It was never the boys' fault. I remember one game against Napoli when we won the game and were all celebrating, and in the last challenge there was a challenge between him [Matip] and I think Koulibaly, I'm not sure, but when he came down, he broke a bone which kept him out for a while.
“So, life without luck is really difficult, and footballers need luck. I hope we stay a little bit more lucky than we were in the last few years because these boys are incredible talents, but the main thing they want to do is to play and to contribute to what we do. And if you are sitting outside with an injury, that feels really strange.
“Long may it continue that we have all our centre-halves available because it's obviously a really important position for us. The way we play, we need really good players and Joel is an outstanding player, I think."
Milner and Matip the free transfer GOATs?
Liverpool have had success within the free transfer market in recent years, with James Milner becoming a vital member of the squad as well as Matip.
Klopp has argued that the pair are in contention to be the best free transfer of all time.
“A lot of the time, I think people think about which are the best ever signings on a free transfer. I can imagine it would be a really close race between Millie and Joel.
“They both came here for free and are absolutely outstanding players. Nothing what we reached in the last few years would have happened without them.
“So, it's good that Joel can play football this season and long may it continue.”
Both players have helped Liverpool to their first ever Premier League in 2020 triumph as well as a Champions League title in 2019.
