And yet poor Matip hasn't kicked a ball for us.
Joel Matip
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It seems a bit unfair to be baking in a "longevity aspect" to a player that has't even played for us yet. However, in terms of actual skill and quality, there is ZERO chance that he is as good a footballer as Babbel or Gary mac.
I don't see how it's unfair. We're talking if's and but's here.
Babbel gave us two good years before he got sick, Gary Mac gaves us one very good season.
Matip has the potential to be here for at least 10 years. I've watched him play several times, he's freaking good.
He won't be here for 10 years, though. That's just silly. And what's the quality equation you're using anyway?
0.5 (as good as Babbel) + 2(length of Babbel's stay) = Matip
Judging from what I've seen he's the real deal. We got a £20 million player for free.
Only drawback is that he might disappear around January due to the African cup of nations.
We're getting him close to his prime as well.
I'm not sure if Skrtel will leave considering that he signed a new contract not long ago and he's our best defender.
Wouldn't mind if we sold both Lovren and Sakho though. I'm willing to give Illori antother season, love quick defenders.
[article]
A product of the VFL Bochum academy, Matip's transition to professional football began with Schalke 04 when he started with their second team in the Regionalliga - the fourth tier of German football. He made his professional debut aged 18 and made four appearances for Schalke's second team.
Matip's big break came less than a month later in November 2009 when he grabbed headlines by scoring an equaliser against Louis Van Gaal's Bayern Munich on his debut for the first team. His performance - and goal - earned him the man of the match award.
Matip went on to make 20 appearances in the 2009/10 season, playing predominantly as a midfield anchor. The following season, his versatility led to him playing a variety of roles, including full-back and centre-back.
In 2011/12, Matip played at centre-back alongside Benedikt Howedes and since then the Cameroon international has been a regular fixture in the team, making over 200 appearances in all competitions.
Style of play
Matip leads Schalke in aerial clearances this season
Matip has worked his way up to become one of the Bundesliga's most respected central defenders in his seven years in Gelsenkirchen - renowed for his tackling ability but also for being comfortable on the ball.
This campaign, the Cameroonian has scored four times - three of them headers - as well as assisting three further goals, in his 26 games in all competitions.
He has made 21 appearances in the Bundesliga this term, where he makes an average of five clearances and three interceptions a game, according to WhoScored.
His pace and mobility mean he would likely be able to work well in a high line, a trait which Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will no doubt have noted.
What they say about Matip…
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt has been trying to keep Matip until the end of the season
Former Schalke and Real Madrid defender Christoph Metzelder:
"Joel is free. If the interest is from England and he wants to have an experience abroad, then Liverpool is a super destination for him. Jurgen knows he can work very well with him. For Joel it would be an easier entry into a new country and a new environment."
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt on contract negotiations (in January): "It is not going smoothly. On our side everything is clear, but Joel wants to wait and see Schalke's development. There are no requests for him. Joel's intention is not to leave the club in January. And if it was like that, we would prevent that with everything we have."
What he says…
Matip on his versatility: "I was playing for the youth team when my coach Norbert Elgert had the idea to put me up front. I played there for six months and it was a success. I even scored with my feet - not just my head. Then after being out for a long time with injury, I went straight into the senior team, where I was once again used as a defender because it's what I know best."
Matip on his future: "I've been at Schalke since 2000, which shows my connection to the club is strong. I feel good and I'm happy to be playing here, where I grew up. That's why I can imagine myself staying here. But you can't always stay at home."
[/article]
A product of the VFL Bochum academy, Matip's transition to professional football began with Schalke 04 when he started with their second team in the Regionalliga - the fourth tier of German football. He made his professional debut aged 18 and made four appearances for Schalke's second team.
Matip's big break came less than a month later in November 2009 when he grabbed headlines by scoring an equaliser against Louis Van Gaal's Bayern Munich on his debut for the first team. His performance - and goal - earned him the man of the match award.
Matip went on to make 20 appearances in the 2009/10 season, playing predominantly as a midfield anchor. The following season, his versatility led to him playing a variety of roles, including full-back and centre-back.
In 2011/12, Matip played at centre-back alongside Benedikt Howedes and since then the Cameroon international has been a regular fixture in the team, making over 200 appearances in all competitions.
Style of play
Matip leads Schalke in aerial clearances this season
Matip has worked his way up to become one of the Bundesliga's most respected central defenders in his seven years in Gelsenkirchen - renowed for his tackling ability but also for being comfortable on the ball.
This campaign, the Cameroonian has scored four times - three of them headers - as well as assisting three further goals, in his 26 games in all competitions.
He has made 21 appearances in the Bundesliga this term, where he makes an average of five clearances and three interceptions a game, according to WhoScored.
His pace and mobility mean he would likely be able to work well in a high line, a trait which Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will no doubt have noted.
What they say about Matip…
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt has been trying to keep Matip until the end of the season
Former Schalke and Real Madrid defender Christoph Metzelder:
"Joel is free. If the interest is from England and he wants to have an experience abroad, then Liverpool is a super destination for him. Jurgen knows he can work very well with him. For Joel it would be an easier entry into a new country and a new environment."
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt on contract negotiations (in January): "It is not going smoothly. On our side everything is clear, but Joel wants to wait and see Schalke's development. There are no requests for him. Joel's intention is not to leave the club in January. And if it was like that, we would prevent that with everything we have."
What he says…
Matip on his versatility: "I was playing for the youth team when my coach Norbert Elgert had the idea to put me up front. I played there for six months and it was a success. I even scored with my feet - not just my head. Then after being out for a long time with injury, I went straight into the senior team, where I was once again used as a defender because it's what I know best."
Matip on his future: "I've been at Schalke since 2000, which shows my connection to the club is strong. I feel good and I'm happy to be playing here, where I grew up. That's why I can imagine myself staying here. But you can't always stay at home."
[/article]
First off stop being fucking obtuse.
Sure quality wise he might not reach Babbel standard or Gary Mac, but still 10 years of good service won't eclipse them?
In that case Carragher hasn't been better for us than Babbel either.
He's a £20m defender now. This gets better and better.
Carragher was as good as Babbel anyway.
My first thoughts on Matip when I saw him play a few years ago was that he seemed pretty raw. Young defender in a big league type of thing.
But he showed promise with his tenacity, speed and tackling. He's also got a few goals in him.
He used to have a mistake or two in his game, but playing alongside Höwedes has helped him a whole lot.
Not sure if Skrtel is the right type of partner for him. I'd prefer it to be the Hyypia, Adams type.
But he showed promise with his tenacity, speed and tackling. He's also got a few goals in him.
He used to have a mistake or two in his game, but playing alongside Höwedes has helped him a whole lot.
Not sure if Skrtel is the right type of partner for him. I'd prefer it to be the Hyypia, Adams type.
[article]
A product of the VFL Bochum academy, Matip's transition to professional football began with Schalke 04 when he started with their second team in the Regionalliga - the fourth tier of German football. He made his professional debut aged 18 and made four appearances for Schalke's second team.
Matip's big break came less than a month later in November 2009 when he grabbed headlines by scoring an equaliser against Louis Van Gaal's Bayern Munich on his debut for the first team. His performance - and goal - earned him the man of the match award.
Matip went on to make 20 appearances in the 2009/10 season, playing predominantly as a midfield anchor. The following season, his versatility led to him playing a variety of roles, including full-back and centre-back.
In 2011/12, Matip played at centre-back alongside Benedikt Howedes and since then the Cameroon international has been a regular fixture in the team, making over 200 appearances in all competitions.
Style of play
Matip leads Schalke in aerial clearances this season
Matip has worked his way up to become one of the Bundesliga's most respected central defenders in his seven years in Gelsenkirchen - renowed for his tackling ability but also for being comfortable on the ball.
This campaign, the Cameroonian has scored four times - three of them headers - as well as assisting three further goals, in his 26 games in all competitions.
He has made 21 appearances in the Bundesliga this term, where he makes an average of five clearances and three interceptions a game, according to WhoScored.
His pace and mobility mean he would likely be able to work well in a high line, a trait which Reds boss Jurgen Klopp will no doubt have noted.
What they say about Matip…
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt has been trying to keep Matip until the end of the season
Former Schalke and Real Madrid defender Christoph Metzelder:
"Joel is free. If the interest is from England and he wants to have an experience abroad, then Liverpool is a super destination for him. Jurgen knows he can work very well with him. For Joel it would be an easier entry into a new country and a new environment."
Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt on contract negotiations (in January): "It is not going smoothly. On our side everything is clear, but Joel wants to wait and see Schalke's development. There are no requests for him. Joel's intention is not to leave the club in January. And if it was like that, we would prevent that with everything we have."
What he says…
Matip on his versatility: "I was playing for the youth team when my coach Norbert Elgert had the idea to put me up front. I played there for six months and it was a success. I even scored with my feet - not just my head. Then after being out for a long time with injury, I went straight into the senior team, where I was once again used as a defender because it's what I know best."
Matip on his future: "I've been at Schalke since 2000, which shows my connection to the club is strong. I feel good and I'm happy to be playing here, where I grew up. That's why I can imagine myself staying here. But you can't always stay at home."
[/article]
Matip has worked his way up to become one of the Bundesliga's most respected central defenders and the stats support this. Matip leads Schalke this season in interceptions, blocks, clearances and headed clearances. He also ranks in the top 10 across the four categories in the division as a whole, with his lowest ranking being seventh in clearances.
The 24-year-old also ranks highest amongst Schalke's centre backs in tackles, which fits in to his style of play as a central defender who likes to lead on the front foot. His pace and mobility also mean he's able to work well in a high line, a trait which Klopp has surely noted.
Having played as a holding midfielder previously, Matip has proved he is comfortable on the ball. Compared to Liverpool's centre backs, Matip has completed more dribbles than any of them this season.
-SKY
He doesn't sound much like what we need; a big, hulking, powerful fucker who can dominate on the ground and in the air. A Shawcross type.
But we certainly need more quality in central defence, Skrtel's not getting any younger, and Sakho and Toure aren't good enough. Still not sure what Lovren is, to be quite honest. Let's hope he can be a delightful surprise.
But we certainly need more quality in central defence, Skrtel's not getting any younger, and Sakho and Toure aren't good enough. Still not sure what Lovren is, to be quite honest. Let's hope he can be a delightful surprise.
I think Gary Mac and Markus Babel might argue against that statement.Great signing and possibly our best "free transfer" ever.
He wins more aerial duels then Shawcross though, 75 % won.
Gomez and Matip could be a potentially great CB pairing in the future.
If he turns out to be good it would feel like a great new, free signing.
Which is odd considering he cost 20m.
FWIW a European football journalist (Ben somebody) was enthusiastic about Matip on TalkSh!te earlier and reckoned he'll be an excellent signing.
How many times in the past have we researched, studied and analyzed a player so much that we were convinced he would be the bomb only for him to turn out to be a dud instead and let us all down ?
And how many times have we come across players we have totally never heard of and he turns out to be a revelation instead ?
Was anyone excited when we signed Hyppia ?
I'm not one who believes in superstitions but there are times I think we've been so starved of success that we tend to easily over hype players up even before they kick a ball for us.
Without wanting to be a party pooper but I really hope this thread would not go past 50 pages, only for Matip to play like Djimi Traore and leave our hopes all crushed again.
And how many times have we come across players we have totally never heard of and he turns out to be a revelation instead ?
Was anyone excited when we signed Hyppia ?
I'm not one who believes in superstitions but there are times I think we've been so starved of success that we tend to easily over hype players up even before they kick a ball for us.
Without wanting to be a party pooper but I really hope this thread would not go past 50 pages, only for Matip to play like Djimi Traore and leave our hopes all crushed again.
Me too but shhhh.
Ian St John was a bit of a dickhead to Houllier, completely disrespectful, constantly referring to him as "The Frenchman". After Ged's first (solo) home game in charge, the 1-0 defeat against Watford, I listened to him on the radio on the way back from Anfield saying "this Frenchman is signing second raters, players like Hyypia, Smicer, Hamann aren't good enough for this club" blah blah. After one game.
This was one of those games where Gerrard was still finding his feet, we were trying to blood Carragher as a centre back (Henchoz was injured), Smicer & Hamann were both injured too I think, and we still had a couple of the Evans era second raters clogging up the first team (Matteo).
Anyway, Hyppia was a towering figure at the back, aggressive, straight out to any danger and talking Carragher quietly through the game (while Carragher spent the game saying "sorry Sami/sorry Sander"). He got turned once high up the pitch, which exposed his one flaw, his lack of pace, but after this he dropped a bit deeper, got his line at the back tight and in a perfect line for the offside trap and from thereon was a fucking tower for us. He had real, natural quality and composure, and although he was fairly quiet, everyone was already looking to him as a leader of sorts.
But yeah, who the hell was this second rater from Willem II?
I remember some of those articles. It was embarrassing.
In a recent interview, Houllier made it clear how difficult it was for him initially to get his ideas across as LFC were not used to a foreigner leading them. He was the first manager outside of the bootroom and he spent a lot of time overcoming the resistance. His tenure paved the way for Rafa and Klopp. A much underappreciated aspect of Houllier.
I had these exact concerns a while back in the thread, looking through some of the videos, he looked a lot more of the same to me, not the imposing defender we need. Rurik did a nice detailed post which alieved some of my fears, but I'm yet to be fully convinced. However on a free, and putting my faith in Klopp, it's easy to be a little positive, if not that excited, over this transfer.
St John really had an inverse boner for Houllier, it was hard to work out why, other than simple xenophobia and the fact he 'elbowed out' Roy Evans. I really liked him.
Of course, like Benitez it all went rather sour in his final season, and it's easy to pick out flaws, or failed signings, but with Houllier I genuinely credit him with making Liverpool a genuine force again, with that beautiful Treble season, and players like Henchoz, Hamann, Riise, Owen, Gerrard, Carragher, Hyypia, Babbel and more, who all played some of their best football under his management, or at least started to become the great players we knew later. He made us winners again.
We have much to be thankful for with Houllier.
It's only missing the PDE portion of the equation. Also according to my central limit theorem, everything about this signi g converges to "BOSS".
This is my word, and as such it is beyond contestation.
Just looked at his body - THIS IS PERFECT !!!! - you guys are all into what he can do but the secret to every great 'Natural' defender type is the body frame. He has that body frame that Rio, and Hierro has - to me that says lean, speed, flexibility, and high towering overview of all that he can see !!! YES !!! - problem with Sako - is he is too muscle-bound like and that's why he seems a little dopey when being turned like Giroud, and Defoe did to him.
Hahahaha
From what Ive seen/read about him he seems likely to replace Sahko as the adventureous ball playing centre half. Which means there is still room for another commanding centre half alongside him. Whether thats Skrtel or somebody new I dont know. Lovren has failed the audition and and I dont expect Toure to get another year with both Gomez and Illori waiting in the wings.
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