Joel Matip happy to be back

After a spell on the sidelines due to injury, Joel Matip was pleased to start his first game of the season for Liverpool.

Matip had an influential game yesterday and scored Liverpool’s second from a corner, which contributed in the Reds walking away with a 3-0 victory over Southampton at Anfield.

The injury Matip sustained during pre-season ultimately led to Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez playing at the heart of the defence to begin the season, and it has worked quite well.

Matip understood why Jurgen Klopp stuck with the pair regardless of when he was fit again, as they had been playing well.

“They [Van Dijk and Gomez] played the whole season well and there was no reason to change,” Matip told Liverpoolfc.com.

“I was injured and still needed some time to get in and to be on a good level, but I am on a good way and this was a good step.

“I still need some time but I am on a good way and we have a lot of games, a lot of players, so I hope that I can also play a few games more.”

READ: Jurgen Klopp provides positive update on Virgil van Dijk injury 

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 22: Joel Matip of Liverpool celebrates after scoring his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Southampton FC at Anfield on September 22, 2018 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images)

READ: Jurgen Klopp impressed with Xherdan Shaqiri’s start to life at Anfield 

With Gomez being placed on the bench for the match against the Saints, Matip got his chance and took it with both hands.

Despite the positives to be taken from the game, Matip believes there is still plenty to improve on going forward.

“Today we had a few problems but we can still increase. We are on a good way and if we win everything is fine, but we know we have to get better and I am still positive,” said Matip.

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Source: anfieldhq.com