Liverpool defender Joel Matip no longer feels comfortable in Jurgen Klopp’s system.
That’s according to pundit Robbie Mustoe, speaking on The 2 Robbies podcast ahead of the season.
It has been a summer of change at Anfield, with some older players leaving.
Captain and Vice Captain Jordan Henderson and James Milner are both gone.
Jürgen Klopp has handed the captaincy to Virgil van Dijk, with more players lined up in recent transfer window weeks. The midfield has been the core of their company so far, but there is some suggestion that a central defender could be added as well.
Micky Van de Ven has been a target for Liverpool this summer but he is now on the verge of a move to Tottenham.
Klopp could target defender over concerns over Joel Matip’s role at Liverpool.
The 32-year-old centre-back has been a reliable partner for Van Dijk in the years he has not been injured.
However, a change of back in recent months does not seem to suit the Cameroonian international. Liverpool defender Matip can’t play under Klopp’s new system
Speaking on Liverpool’s outlook for the coming system, Mustoe said: “If we see a better midfield and a lot of goals next season, I’m not worried about goals and they still lose 4-3. and collect a lot.” , which needs to be fixed now.
“Now when they go from right-back to midfield with Trent [Alexander-Arnold], who I like, playing alongside the defensive player, it brings up brilliant Mac Allister and Szoboszlai.”
“But Joel Matip doesn’t seem comfortable saying it’s a right three.
“I think Ibrahima Konaté can do it much better. He still seems to have a minor injury or whatever, he’s not a regular player alongside new captain Virgil van Dijk and then Andy Robertson. “This is the key for me.”
The £100,000-a-week centre-back is an expert at reading the game, having not been blessed with speed.
A hallmark of Liverpool’s performance this summer has been the openness in defense caused by two problems.
Firstly, the lack of a special number six made the defense very vulnerable.
Also, when Trent Alexander-Arnold plays further down the pitch, the Liverpool defense becomes very tense.
The pace required in Liverpool’s new system under Klopp does not suit Matip. He has already been described as “worryingly out of line” and may have to settle for a place on the bench this season.
