Owen surprised by form of “brilliant” Joel Matip

Michael Owen has admitted his surprise at how good Joel Matip has been for Liverpool this season.

Matip started alongside Virgil van Dijk once again last night and put in another assured performance at the back.

And Owen revealed after the game that Matip has exceeded his expectations since claiming his position in the absence of Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren.

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“He’s under pressure now, now Gomez is back fit,” Owen said. “You’d have to think it’s his position that Gomez could take.

“But Gomez not played many minutes just yet, so he’s got the shirt. [Dejan] Lovren apparently is not feeling well tonight.

“He’s been brilliant this season, Matip, because I didn’t expect it from him if I’m honest. I never really looked at him and thought ‘he’s a Liverpool starter’ in the past.

“But he’s got the shirt and he’s not let it go.”

Robbie Fowler also weighed in on the discussion: “What I will say about Matip is I think he’s really improved this year.

“I think playing with Van Dijk has certainly helped him. At times he can be a bit of a liability.

“I will say he has improved but I think he has got a little bit of a rick in him, so that’s why it’s important you get a player like Van Dijk with him.”

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Source: anfieldhq.com