Joel Matip will be feeling angry at Jurgen Klopp and ready to ask questions of the Liverpool boss after losing his place in the side against Villarreal, claims Rio Ferdinand.
The Reds were brilliant from first whistle to last as they secured a commanding 2-0 first-leg win in the Champions League semi-finals. Really, the margin of victory could, and should, have been far greater with Klopp’s side far superior. You can see how we rated the players, with one Liverpool man earning an impressive nine.
Two goals in as many second-half minutes set the tone for Liverpool. Pervis Estupinan’s own goal, followed by Sadio Mane’s 20th of the season earned the win.
After the game, Klopp explained why Liverpool had, in the words of pundits, eased off and not added a third.
However, Liverpool will be confident of securing their place in the final when they travel to El Madrigal for the second leg.
Liverpool, of course, remain very much in the hunt for four trophies.
With the Carabao Cup in the bag, they face Chelsea in the FA Cup final. They are also looking to beat Manchester City to the Premier League title. They also look to be on course to also meet in the Champions League final.
As they chase down an unparelled four trophies, Klopp will be forced to utilise his squad as he sees fit.
That said, the fact that Klopp opted to rest the imperious Matip for Ibrahima Konate raised some eyebrows before kick-off.
Matip has started 27 Premier League games this season – easily his best season to date for the Reds.
But he has shared European duties with summer signing Konate. In fairness, the Frenchman has also performed exceptionally well.
But, after a starring in Sunday’s win over Everton, Ferdinand claims why the defender will be feeling angry.
“If I am Joel Matip, I am fuming,” Ferdinand told BT Sport before kick-off.
“He has been exceptional all season and we talk about being the best defenders on form in the league, he would be in there for a shout after (Virgil) Van Dijk.
“So yeah set-pieces must be a big thing for his team selection this evening.
I think the most impressive thing for me is the way [Klopp] has been able to utilise his squad.
“Just shuffling the back at any given time, and those players are coming in and impacting the team.
“They are playing big roles in that, Konate is a good example for that. He has come in and scored goal after goal, and as a manager it is a dream scenario at the business end of the season.”
Owen insists Joel Matip still has a big role to play
Owen countered Ferdinand’s argument by stating Matip will know his role under Klopp.
Furthermore, with Konate more of a threat at set-pieces, Owen feels that is perhaps why the former RB Leipzig man got the nod.
Konate has scored in each of his previous three appearances before Wednesday night.
As such, Owen explained: “It is a Champions League semi-final so of course you are going to play your best team.
“But I think Matip all season has been number one all season. However, I think the goals that Konate has scored in the past few games, he does add something different.”
Konate has now played 23 times for Liverpool and is yet to taste defeat in a Reds shirt.
Klopp will argue that, after another clean sheet and the 2-0 win, that he has right to start with Konate.
The Reds have plenty of big matches ahead and Matip – who will push strongly to be Liverpool’s Player of the Season – will undoubtedly play a leading role.
And of all the huge fees Liverpool have paid down the years, surely there is none better than the free-transfer capture of Matip.
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