Joel Matip has agreed to join Liverpool from Schalke 04 after signing a pre-contract to move in the summer. #lfc (Paul Joyce)
Also has there been any more movement on the fee for Ings? Seems to have gone very quiet on that front.
Profile Name: Joel Matip Age: 24 Place of Birth: Bochum, Germany Club: Schalke 04 Position: Centre-back National team: Cameroon Background please log in to view this image Matip scored his first goal for Schalke on his professional debut against Bayern Munich in 2009" Matip scored his first goal for Schalke on his professional debut against Bayern Munich in 2009 A product of the VFL Bochum academy, Matip's transition to professional football began with Schalke 04 when he started with their second team in the Regionalliga - the fourth tier of German football. He made his professional debut aged 18 and made four appearances for Schalke's second team. Matip's big break came less than a month later in November 2009 when he grabbed headlines by scoring an equaliser against Louis Van Gaal's Bayern Munich on his debut for the first team. His performance - and goal - earned him the man of the match award. Matip went on to make 20 appearances in the 2009/10 season, playing predominantly as a midfield anchor. The following season, his versatility led to him playing a variety of roles, including full-back and centre-back. In 2011/12, Matip played at centre-back alongside Benedikt Howedes and since then the Cameroon international has been a regular fixture in the team, making over 200 appearances in all competitions. Style of play please log in to view this image Matip leads Schalke in aerial clearances this season Matip has worked his way up to become one of the Bundesliga's most respected central defenders and the stats support this. Matip leads Schalke this season in interceptions, blocks, clearances and headed clearances. He also ranks in the top 10 across the four categories in the division as a whole, with his lowest ranking being seventh in clearances. The 24-year-old also ranks highest amongst Schalke's centre backs in tackles, which fits in to his style of play as a central defender who likes to lead on the front foot. His pace and mobility also mean he's able to work well in a high line, a trait which Klopp has surely noted. Having played as a holding midfielder previously, Matip has proved he is comfortable on the ball. Compared to Liverpool's centre backs, Matip has completed more dribbles than any of them this season. What they say about Matip… please log in to view this image sporting director Horst Heldt has been trying to keep Matip until the end of the season"> Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt has been trying to keep Matip until the end of the season Schalke sporting director Horst Heldt on contract negotiations: "It is not going smoothly. On our side everything is clear, but Joel wants to wait and see Schalke's development. There are no requests for him. Joel's intention is not to leave the club in January. And if it was like that, we would prevent that with everything we have." Schalke coach Andre Breitenreiter: "I can rule out a winter departure, I am wishing for more competition between the players in the Ruckrunde [second half of the season]. We need that to maximise their performances." What he says… Matip on his versatility: "I was playing for the youth team when my coach Norbert Elgert had the idea to put me up front. I played there for six months and it was a success. I even scored with my feet - not just my head. Then after being out for a long time with injury, I went straight into the senior team, where I was once again used as a defender because it's what I know best." Matip on his future: "I've been at Schalke since 2000, which shows my connection to the club is strong. I feel good and I'm happy to be playing here, where I grew up. That's why I can imagine myself staying here. But you can't always stay at home."
An area that we badly need to improve, done nice and early and on a free. Can't complain really Let's hope he has the qualities to make it in the Prem
If you organise a community party that's never been done before and you only have a guy blowing a whistle for entertainment... 1) is it an improvement on before? 2) is it an acceptance party standard?
I'll give you Macca, that's a great shout. Maxi wasn't free. Bellamy was poor in that second stint. Zenden was poor too imo. Fowler was too old and past it, he was only ever a squad filler.
Matip is only 24 so we will make money on him even if he flops. He's replacing Toure and on half the wages so we're saving money. Smart business - little risk.
