"Huge presence" - Jamie Carragher praises Joel Matip for his performance against Ajax

Pundit Jamie Carragher has praised Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip for his performance against Ajax at Anfield last night.

The 31-year-old has missed a few games this season due to an injury. However, Matip is back and back in the starting lineup.

The defender was immense against Ajax. Matip registered a WhoScored player rating of 8.04 for his display and he scored the winning goal.

Post-game, Carragher had the following to say about the centre-back.

“It was Virgil van Dijk who looked really dangerous all night. But Joel Matip is a huge presence. Think of how many goals Liverpool got last season through (Ibrahima) Konate from set pieces set in the Champions League," he told CBS Sports, as quoted by Anfield Watch on Twitter.

“They played really well. It was a typical (Jurgen) Klopp performance. High energy, stopping Ajax with the ball and at times. The way Liverpool play, they deserved to win the game.”

Anfield Watch Verdict

Matip is a very good defender. There isn't much the centre-back can't do.

Liverpool signed Matip from Schalke on a free transfer back in the summer of 2016. Since then, Matip has made 171 appearances for the club's first-team.

The 31-year-old has won the Champions League, Super Cup, FIFA Club World Cup, Premier League title, League Cup, FA Cup and Community Shield with the Reds.

So, Matip has been a very good player for Liverpool. However, the only negative regarding the defender is that he struggles to stay fit for long periods of time.

Matip is contracted until the conclusion of the 2023-24 campaign.