Arsenal legend gives incredible praise to Liverpool player

Joel Matip earns praise from a legend

14/09/2022, 04:59 PM +00:00

After a dramatic win over Ajax on the second day of the UEFA Champions League, praise for the Reds' players was everywhere, with the media highlighting Thiago Alcántara's incredible midfield performance, while for others such as former Arsenal legend Thierry Henry, his applause and admiration was directed at one of the goalscorers.

Far from generalising that the team coached by German manager Jurgen Klopp had performed well, Thierry was keen to point out why Joel Matip was Liverpool's anonymous hero in the second round of Champions League fixtures, pointing to the German-Cameroonian defender as the unassuming player who does not usually get the plaudits even when his interventions have been decisive, as they were yesterday.

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Matip rose high from a corner to head home in the 89th minute after Liverpool had been frustrated throughout by the Eredivisie champions. Jurgen Klopp's side were heading for yet another game without a win when the 31-year-old scored that second goal that today brings peace of mind to a team that days earlier was severely criticised by fans who are now surrendering to him after that fine display at Anfield.

The former Arsenal striker believes Joel Matip is nowhere near getting the credit he deserves for his performances at Anfield. The German-born star only recently returned from injury and, as a result, Liverpool produced a much more solid and defensively accurate display against tough opposition coming off the back of goals in both the Champions League and Eredivisie.

Dream night for Matip

Matip's night was not only his return to action for the Reds, but he is also credited with the win that now has his side competing in Champions League Group A, not to mention the fact that the German-Cameroonian scored his first goal in Europe's top competition, and what better than in front of his home fans at Anfield for a last-gasp three-pointer.