Image source: Liverpool FC
Introduction
Joel Matip will bid farewell to Liverpool FC this summer after an illustrious eight-season spell during which he helped the club to some of its most memorable modern moments. The 32-year-old is set to embark on a new chapter in his career upon the expiry of his contract with the Reds at the end of the campaign, departing Anfield having lifted many of the game’s greatest honors.
A Key Signing in the Klopp Era
Joel Matip’s journey with Liverpool began when Jürgen Klopp, who had recently taken over as manager, utilized his knowledge of the Bundesliga to sign the calm and composed center-back on a free transfer from Schalke 04. A deal was agreed and announced before the end of the 2015-16 season, and Matip arrived on Merseyside to begin a new chapter that summer.
This move would prove to be one of the best bargains in Liverpool’s history. Klopp’s praise for Joel Matip is a testament to his impact: “In all the years that I have been involved in football, I am not sure I have come across too many players who are more loved than Joel Matip. I’m not even sure it would be possible to say anything bad about him.”
Immediate Impact and Champions League Return
Joel Matip featured 32 times in his maiden season at Liverpool, exhibiting his trademark blend of strength, aerial ability, and technique on the ball as Klopp’s side secured a return to Champions League football. His presence solidified the defense and allowed Liverpool to build from the back, a crucial element in Klopp’s playing style.
In the 2017-18 season, Joel Matip remained a mainstay of the team. Unfortunately, an untimely injury late in the campaign prevented him from contributing to the Reds’ run to the European Cup final in Kyiv, where Liverpool narrowly missed out on the trophy.
Image Source: Liverpool FC
Building a Partnership with Van Dijk
The 2018-19 season saw Joel Matip in and out of the starting XI during the first half of the campaign. However, after returning to fitness at the turn of the year, he formed a formidable central defensive partnership with Virgil van Dijk. This partnership was instrumental in Liverpool’s impressive run that season.
Joel Matip was largely ever-present for the remainder of the season, helping Liverpool accumulate 97 points in the Premier League, although they agonizingly missed out on the title to Manchester City. His performances in the Champions League were equally vital; he started five out of six knockout matches, including the unforgettable 4-0 semi-final comeback against Barcelona at Anfield.
Image source: Liverpool FC
European Glory in Madrid
One of Joel Matip’s standout moments came in the Champions League final in Madrid, where he played a crucial role in keeping Tottenham Hotspur at bay and provided the assist for Divock Origi’s goal in a 2-0 win. This victory crowned Liverpool as the kings of Europe and etched Matip’s name into the club’s history.
Jürgen Klopp reminisced about this moment: “If I had to choose one moment from his time here it would definitely be his assist for Divock Origi at the Champions League final in Madrid. This was the touch that detonated an explosion in the LFC family. What a moment. What a player.”
Cult Hero and Dressing Room Leader
Elegant and dominant at his peak, Joel Matip’s playing style was complemented by his personality off the pitch, making him a key character in the dressing room and a cult hero among supporters. His popularity even earned him his very own ‘No Context’ Twitter account, a testament to his unique charm and the affection in which he was held by fans.
Injury Setbacks and Premier League Triumph
The reasons to smile continued into the early phases of the 2019-20 season, with Joel Matip maintaining his regular spot in the line-up and adding the UEFA Super Cup to his trophy collection. However, injury setbacks limited him to 13 outings that season. Despite these frustrations, Matip took comfort in Liverpool’s historic Premier League title win, their first in 30 years.
Resilience and Further Success
Similarly, the 2020-21 season was marred by injuries, restricting Joel Matip to just a dozen matches. Nonetheless, his resilience and determination shone through. The following season, he played 43 times in a marathon campaign that saw Klopp’s side contest the maximum number of fixtures across four competitions. They triumphed in two – the Carabao Cup and the Emirates FA Cup – and finished narrow runners-up in both the Premier League and Champions League.
Joel Matip Emotional Farewell
Joel Matip featured less frequently last term, though he was again enjoying a run in the side this season before suffering a cruel anterior cruciate ligament injury against Fulham in December. This injury prevented the former Cameroon international from taking to the pitch again in 2023-24, though he had shortly before reached the distinction of 200 games for Liverpool.
Reflecting on Matip’s departure, Klopp stated: “Joel’s qualities as a player are there for all to see and as a club we have benefited from them since the first moment that he joined. I don’t think he has had too many headlines over the years but he has only ever been a very famous figure within our group. I have said before that if there was one person who wouldn’t care if he was underrated it would be Joel, but the truth is we could not have rated him more highly.”
A Legacy of Excellence
Joel Matip leaves Liverpool having made 201 appearances, scored 11 goals, and collected seven winner’s medals, including the Champions League and Premier League. His calm and composed presence on the field, combined with his ability to make mazy dribbles out from defense, made him a unique and invaluable asset to the team.
His contributions extend beyond the pitch. Matip has been a model professional, setting standards for himself and others, and his influence will be felt long after his departure. Klopp summarized it best: “Not only has he set the standards for himself, he has set them for others and this is one of the main reasons why his time here has been so successful.”
The Road Ahead
As Joel Matip prepares to bid farewell to Anfield, he does so with the best wishes of everyone at the club. His journey with Liverpool has been marked by resilience, excellence, and a series of unforgettable moments that have solidified his place in the club’s history. The next chapter in his career awaits, and wherever he goes, Matip will undoubtedly bring the same level of professionalism and skill that endeared him to Liverpool fans
Conclusion
Joel Matip’s eight-year tenure at Liverpool has been a period of remarkable success and memorable moments. From his bargain signing to his crucial role in securing major honors, Matip’s legacy at Liverpool is one of excellence and professionalism. As he moves on to new challenges, the Liverpool family extends their heartfelt thanks and best wishes to a player who has truly left his mark on the club.
As Klopp aptly concluded, “A wonderful professional, a wonderful footballer, and a wonderful human being – we have been blessed to have him with us for as long as we have and now all we can do is wish him well as he heads off in a new direction. We wish Joel and his family the very best for the future.”
Thank you, Joel, for everything. Your contributions to Liverpool FC will never be forgotten.
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YNWA (You’ll Never Walk Alone)!
The Liverpool FC Times Team