Cameroon international and Liverpool centre-back Joel Matip is an undoubtedly underrated figure.
Ask any Red and they’ll remark on and on about Matip’s solidity at the back.
This was on display once again during Liverpool’s 2-0 victory against Leicester City.
Paired alongside an equally stern Virgil van Dijk, the two put up a resolute wall, one Leicester failed to breach on the night.
Another aspect of Matip’s game, which also often goes unnoticed, is his ability on the ball. In fact, he essentially set up Jota’s second goal of the evening.
Matip gained possession of the ball right at the edge of the Leicester box, and he barely had time to sort his feet out or look up.
The Cameroonian kept his composure and played a deft pass through the legs of Wilfred Ndidi, a sweet nutmeg that found its way to Diogo Jota.
The striker, who has been in excellent goalscoring form as of late, struck the ball first time and grabbed his second goal.
While Matip’s dribbling abilities are often talked about, his passing range also deserves attention. His assist for Jota was one any creative midfielder would be proud of, and the Center back really does make it look effortless at times.
After producing the sublime assist, the 30-year-old didn’t spring into celebration, instead, he coolly walked away, almost with an air of swagger about him.
Pleasantly surprised by the proceedings, Twitter was in awe of Matip’s assist –
MATIP ASSIST! YOU LOVE TO SEE IT
— Luis Díaz (@lfc_allting) February 10, 2022
pic.twitter.com/abc1STRhlx
Not to be lost in the Diogo Jota brace is the fact that we got Joel Matip providing outside of the boot assists from the top of the box. Give him the #10 😂#LFC #LIVLEI #LiverpoolLeicester pic.twitter.com/CO2QJNAbF4
— Scott – Kicks & Picks (@Scotty_KP) February 10, 2022
Just seen Joel Matip's nutmeg assist from last night… he's doing what he wants at this stage!
— Dougie Critchley (@DougieCritchley) February 11, 2022
To my mind Matip, Rudiger, Thiago Silva, Kilman and Dias have been the best centre backs in the League so far this season.
(Shout-out Salisu)
Another fantastic display from Joel Matip last night coupled with a nutmeg assist from the edge of the box. He can do it all! One of the greatest ever free signings in the Premier League. pic.twitter.com/axcxhkHTcZ
— DaveOCKOP (@DaveOCKOP) February 11, 2022
Not enough being made of Matip’s nutmeg assist for me, Clive. Love the fella. Might send him a card on Monday.
— Gareth Roberts (@robbohuyton) February 11, 2022
How good was that assist by Matip btw? If Fabinho or Hendo or Diaz did that assist they’d be talking about it all night. #nutmeg
— McGreal 1️⃣9️⃣ (@N_Macca74) February 10, 2022
Joel Matip with that cheeky nutmeg assist pic.twitter.com/s4Pwdsy3BA
— Shwet. (@trent2robbo) February 10, 2022
matip with the nutmeg assist that’s unreal haha only a matter of time before he puts one top corner
— Jay Llewellyn (@JayLleweIIyn) February 10, 2022
That Matip assist up there with moment of the season pic.twitter.com/4P25jnNfmX
— Harry Clayton 🇵🇸 (@claytonsg8) February 10, 2022
