Liverpool defender Joel Matip no longer appears to be at ease in Jurgen Klopp’s system.
That’s according to expert Robbie Mustoe, who spoke on The 2 Robbies Podcast before of the season’s start.
It’s been a summer of transition at Anfield, with numerous senior players departing.
Jordan Henderson and James Milner, captain and vice-captain, have both left the squad.
Jurgen Klopp gave Virgil van Dijk the captain’s armband, and further signings are expected in the final few weeks of the transfer window.
So far, their focus has been on midfield, but there is talk of bringing in a centre-back as well.
Micky Van de Ven was a summer target for Liverpool, but he’s reportedly likely to join Tottenham.
Due to worries over Joel Matip’s status in the Liverpool team, Klopp may be looking for a defender.
When not injured, the 32-year-old centre-back has been a steady companion for Van Dijk throughout the years.
However, a recent change at the back does not appear to fit the Cameroonian international.
Matip, a Liverpool defender, is unable to play in Klopp’s new system.
“If we still see this upcoming season, a better midfield and plenty of goals, I’m not worried about goals,” Mustoe said of Liverpool’s hopes for the upcoming year. “If they still lose 4-3 and concede a lot of goals, that has to be addressed now.”
“Now, if they go with Trent [Alexander-Arnold] from right-back into midfield to play alongside the holding player, which I like, it pushes Mac Allister and Szoboszlai up, which is brilliant.”
“However, Joel Matip does not appear to be at ease if you say it’s a three on the right side.”
“Now, Ibrahima Konate, I believe, can do that much better.” He constantly seems to have an injury or something, and he’s not a reliable player alongside new captain Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson.
“That’s the key for me.”
Because he lacks speed, the £100,000-a-week centre-back is an excellent at reading the game.
An openness at the back has been a trademark of Liverpool’s performances this summer, which has been created by two difficulties.
For starters, the lack of a specialist number six has left the defense vulnerable.
Furthermore, when Trent Alexander-Arnold plays further up the field, Liverpool’s defense gets extremely stretched.
The pace necessary in Klopp’s new Liverpool system just does not fit Matip.
He’s already been labeled as ‘worryingly off the pace’ and may have to settle for a bench spot this season.
