28 May 2016 16:10:16
Many people that regularly watch the Bundesliga highly rate Joel Matip. I have seen him once or twice and to be honest he never stood out but that could be seen as a good thing as he made no mistakes. Can anybody here answer the following for me please:

Question 1: Has anybody seen regularly him play?

Question 2: Is he an improvement on what we already possess?

Question 3: How is his tactical positioning?

Thanks.

1.) 28 May 2016
28 May 2016 16:50:58
He's quality lad, big and strong like sakho. Scores a good few headers from set pieces, he brings the ball out like Ferdinand used to. He will be the first defender on the team sheet and signing of the season imo.

2.) 28 May 2016
28 May 2016 17:27:27
I can give some information on him that I came across.

Strengths:
WIthout a doubt, Matip is a unique central defender. While he possesses several positive attributes including frightening length, tremendous passing abilities, great anticipation skills (averaging just under four interceptions per match) and outstanding pace, Matip’s most coveted skill might be his ability to win the ball, especially in the air.

According to Squwaka, Matip has won 56% of all duels this season. More importantly, the Cameroonian has come out of aerial duels with a success rate of 75% (60/ 81). To add some perspective to this statistic, Skrtel and Mamadou Sakho have won 67% and 65% of their aerial duels respectively while Croatian international Dejan Lovren has won an astounding 80% of his aerial duels this season.
In regards to his passing abilities, Matip holds the fourth highest passing rate in Schalke’s current squad at 84%, and the second highest for defenders only trailing Howedes (86% accuracy) . His versatility has played quite a role in his impressive passing statistics and technical abilities. While having to adjust to playing as a deep lying midfielder along with learning the ways of central defense, Matip was forced to hone his raw football skills which transformed him into the unique player he is today. As a defender that possesses midfield-like skills, Matip has the opportunity to cause havoc for opposing clubs every match.

Finally, his experience in the Bundesliga and European competition is impressive to say the least. At just 24 years old, Matip has tallied nearly 250 appearances for Schalke’s senior team, including just under 50 appearances in European competition.

Weaknesses:

Like all footballers, Matip has his weaknesses even though they are not glaring. At points, his lack of patience and control sees him lunge into tackles, something Liverpool supporters are no strangers to. Although he hasn’t put his team in any terrible danger in 2015-16 with these challenges, these very rare, cringe-worthy moments would not be appreciated by the Kop.
Matip also exhibits an ambition that is envious at times, however this ambition can be a negative for the defender. As we already know, Matip has the confidence and skill set of both a defensive mid and a center back. This confidence can get the better of him at times and hinder his decision making in defense. If Matip can eliminate desperately lunging at the ball and become in control when going into tackles

3.) 28 May 2016
28 May 2016 18:05:45
Frightening length lol brilliant.

4.) 28 May 2016
28 May 2016 17:32:28
Redmax,
Matip lacks pace which is not included in your weakness.

5.) 28 May 2016
28 May 2016 18:42:41
Not sure what his frightening length has to do with his footballing skills. Could be a bit of a bust up in the showers though as I've heard Joe Allen's member slaps his ankles as he scrubs his hair. Not sure he will be pleased with the competition.

6.) 28 May 2016
28 May 2016 20:15:23
Harry, have you ever seen Matip play? You feel like you've said this a few times when the simple fact is you're just wrong. His pace is not an issue.

7.) 28 May 2016
28 May 2016 20:26:26
Does Matip have a more frightening length than sakho?

8.) 28 May 2016
28 May 2016 23:10:42
Thanks for all of your responses.
Does he tuck his frightening length into his socks and does he get booked when it slaps other players haha!