Long-time target Matip going down a storm on Anfield

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has had his eye on Joel Matip for a while according to Reds midfielder Emre Can – who believes the centre-back is already establishing himself as a key figure at Anfield.

Cameroon international Matip arrived on Merseyside over the summer from Schalke as Liverpool parted ways with defensive duo Martin Skrtel and Kolo Toure, while maverick Frenchman Mamadou Sakho has fallen out of favour with Klopp.

As a result Matip has been starting in central defence alongside Dejan Lovren and, after seven years in the Bundesliga, he has made a good start to life in England.

(Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

And for 22-year-old midfielder Can, who knew all about Klopp’s interest, it’s no surprise how well Matip has fitted in since making the move across from Germany.

He said: “Matip is very good for the side. He’s very good on the ball. He was a leader at Schalke and played many years there. I think you need a player like him.

“[Klopp] said to me last year that he always said when he was at Dortmund that when he was at another club he would buy Matip.

“He liked him a lot and that’s why he brought him here to Liverpool.”