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Liverpool fans credit ‘underrated’ defender Joel Matip after Bayern Munich win
Liverpool booked their spot in the Champions League quarter-finals on Wednesday night, meaning that half of the teams left in the competition are English.
Jurgen Klopp’s team drew at Anfield in the first leg against Bayern Munich, but delivered a brilliant away display in midweek to knock out the Germany heavyweights.
Sadio Mane (two) and Virgil Van Dijk were on the scoresheet for the Reds in a victory at the Allianz Arena.
Joel Matip was unfortunate to net an own goal to level the tie up at 1-1 just before half-time, but his side responded in the second-half with a dominant display.
The 27-year-old tapped the ball into his net from close-range, but he couldn’t do much with the cross and also had striker Robert Lewandowski waiting behind him to tap it in.
Some Liverpool fans still gave the defender immense credit for his European performance despite the own goal and believe for the most part he was a rock in the backline.
The powerful centre-back showed his composure against Bayern with tackles and passing out from the back.
He’s really stepped up during the injury absence of Joe Gomez and it must help any defender playing alongside Van Dijk.
Here are some of the Liverpool fans praising Matip:
Matip couldn’t do anything about that OG, he deserves zero blame/abuse. He’s been the most underrated player in the team recently
— Jim (@Jimothey1)
Matip for me. He was exceptional tonight. Nothing he could do for the goal
— Kevin Ratcliffe (@The_Kevster)
Gomez has been injured for 3 months now, the void left by him was massive & we’ve obviously dropped points without him. But we’re still firmly in the Title-Race, into the QFs thanks largely in part to Matip.
Has exceeded all my expectations if I’m honest???
— Liverpoolzy (@Liverpool_zy)
What a solid performance by Joel Matip yesterday. Booked and conceded an own goal yet he was one of the best players on the pitch
— Kamel Tabbara (@KamelTabbara)
We are such a better side when plays plus Matip is so underrated by many Reds.
— Robbie Sargent (@Sarge1972)
Matip was immense. But Mané was the obvious difference maker.
— hi (@Cashpool69)
Matip was brilliant tonight and has been since coming in..
— neil shakeshaft (@shakey1380)
Matip was sublime today, the goal wasn’t his fault entirely
— Bassam (@BassamLFC)
Can’t blame Matip for the own goal. Another great performance from him. But Van Dijk is by far the player of the year. Absolutely phenomenal player!
— Josh (@MakeUsDreamLFC5)