Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hails Joel Matip as 'incredible piece of business'

Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has hailed Joel Matip as “one of the best, incredible pieces of business we’ve done”.

Matip joined Liverpool on a free transfer from Schalke in the summer of 2016, and will be staying until 2024 after agreeing a new long-term deal .

The 28-year-old’s stock has soared over the past nine months, with the centre-half having nailed down an automatic starting place to develop a commanding partnership with Virgil van Dijk at the back.

Klopp will be counting on Matip to help keep a clean sheet when Liverpool face old rivals Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday.

And he says Matip’s new contract is just reward for the Cameroon international’s “world-class” performances.

“Joel’s journey at Liverpool is one I love and I am absolutely delighted he has shown his commitment to us by signing this new long-term contract,” Klopp told Liverpoolfc.com .

“As the team has evolved and become better, so too has Joel.

“I said earlier this year that signing a player of his quality is one of the best, incredible pieces of business we’ve done since I started here – and I think now that’s something everyone can see.

“I knew what he was capable of from seeing him up close in the Bundesliga and we were certain he could bring that performance level to us.”

Matip found himself out of the Liverpool team in the early stages of his Anfield career but injuries to Dejan Lovren and Joe Gomez allowed him to stake his claim for being higher up in the pecking order.

And Klopp said: “Of course, it is not easy for any player coming to the Premier League, let alone coming to a club the size of Liverpool, so maybe in the beginning there were some questions externally about his consistency. But not any more.

“Joel has been operating as a world-class centre-half throughout this year and long may it continue.

“I haven’t seen many in his position performing with the consistency and quality he has been.

“Obviously here at Liverpool, we’re very lucky to have not only him, but also Virg, Dejan and Joe in the position. I’m fortunate to be able to pick from such outstanding talent.

“Off the pitch, Joel is one of the nicest, most humble guys you could wish to meet, but on it he is a fighter, someone who gives everything to try to help the team get the victory. He has a winner’s mentality.

“He loves what he is doing and for us to have him here for even longer is perfect for us all.”