Centre-back Joel Matip scored a late winner against Ajax last night which contributed to a statistic which proves how important he is to this Liverpool team.
The Reds bounced back from their opening day loss to Napoli by securing a late 2-1 victory over Ajax, with Mohamed Salah opening the scoring before Mohammed Kudus levelled the game.
Matip struck late with a fine header to secure a vital three points and reminded everyone in the process that he is a key player for Jurgen Klopp’s side.
In addition, his goal carried on an impressive statistic that shows that the former Schalke defender is a hugely important player.
That's HUGE for Liverpool! 🔴
Joël Matip powers home a header and the Reds are minutes away from a vital win 🙏#UCL pic.twitter.com/IgHjmy2FH3
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) September 13, 2022
Matip’s winning statistic
The £140,000/week former Cameroon international has an impressive stat when it comes to goals; that was his 10th goal in all competitions for Liverpool and he’s avoided defeat in all 10 of those matches he’s scored in (W9, D1).
His performance showcased why he’s been a regular starter under Klopp for the last few years – his calmness and experience showed through and his winning goal just topped off a fine performance.
He won 7/8 aerials duels against a fairly diminutive Ajax side but it allowed them to dominate in the air and help them gain control. In addition, he also won three tackles and managed two clearances.
The threat was real from Matip, as he managed eight touches in the opposition box – Ajax simply couldn’t handle him and Virgil van Dijk as the pair combined for 16 touches in the opposition box between them and had seven of Liverpool’s 24 shots.
Matip’s 89th minute winner vs Ajax was his 10th goal for Liverpool in all comps for Liverpool 🔴
He's avoided defeat in all 10 of those matches he’s scored in (W9 D1) 💪 pic.twitter.com/s2ONRAhImC
— LiveScore (@livescore) September 14, 2022
Liverpool’s best-ever free transfer?
Signed in the summer of 2016 on a free transfer (a deal that was first agreed in the January window) he’s played 171 games for the Reds, scoring 10 and assisting six during that time.
It’s been a highly successful six years with six trophies won, including the Premier League title and UEFA Champions League. Having signed on a free, he’s gone on to become a key player at the club and stands as an absolute bargain.
He has a fair claim to being Liverpool’s best-ever free signing but there is certainly competition for that accolade. Names such as James Milner, Gary McAllister and Markus Babbel stand out as great free signings.
Whether he can claim that unofficial title, he still has a strong future ahead of him at the club, with his deal running until 2024 and it’s likely he will remain the first-choice centre-back battling with Ibrahima Konate for that spot next to Van Dijk.
