Liverpool defender Joel Matip has claimed the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) player of the month for September.
The Cameroonian defender has played a vital role in Liverpool’s perfect record in the Premier League so far this season, with wins over Newcastle, Chelsea and Sheffield United all occurring in September.
Liverpool began the month with a 3-1 win over Newcastle United at Anfield, with two goals from Sadio Mane and a Mohammed Salah goal cancelling out Jetro Willems’ early goal.
His most important performance of the month came at Stamford Bridge in a 2-1 win over Chelsea in which Liverpool saw themselves under fire for much of the second half, but saw out the game to secure a vital win, with Liverpool pushing for the Premier League title.
A well-earned clean sheet against Sheffield United rounded off the month, with Georginio Wijnaldum’s solo goal being enough to get past the newly-promoted side.
Based on Whoscored statistics, Matip’s average rating of 7.62 is the second highest in the team, just behind Roberto Firmino which illustrates his influence this season.
It is usually Virgil Van Dijk who receives the mainstream plaudits for Liverpool’s defensive performances, but Matip’s role has been going under the radar since January when he cemented his starting eleven place.
He has yet to receive a man of the match award, but the continuance of his performances will see him earn deserved wider recognition.
(Pic by Daniel Kraski – Creative Commons Licence)
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