From top-tier defender last season to a 15-point flop today: Joel Matip’s Dream Team story
NO player personifies Liverpool’s decline from last season to the current campaign more than Joel Matip (£3.8m).
The likeable Cameroonian centre-back finished 2021/22 with 236 points to his name, a tally bettered by only four defenders: Andy Robertson (£3.9m), Virgil van Dijk (£4.9m), Joao Cancelo and Trent Alexander-Arnold (£4.8m).
As the cheapest member of the Reds’ first-choice back four, he was among Dream Team’s most endearing gems.
This term, however, it’s no exaggeration to say he’s been one of the most disappointing flops.
Matip contributed to a clean sheet in the Merseyside derby on Monday to bank five points but even that desperately-needed haul pushed his overall total up to just 15.
The extensive list of defenders with more points to their name includes Jordan Zemura (£1.4m), Cedric Soares (£1.8m), Lyanco (£1.4m), Cheikhou Kouyate (£2.1m) and Jamaal Lascelles (£3m).
This stark contrast between seasons is reflected not just in the 31-year-old’s Dream Team returns but in observations from fans and pundits alike.
It could be argued that Matip actually outperformed Van Dijk last season but he’s looked terribly vulnerable this term and, with fitness issues throw in, has consequently been limited to just eight league starts (and 15 appearances in all competitions).
He’s far from the only Anfield resident to suffer a significant drop-off, in fact Mohamed Salah (£7.7m) and Roberto Firmino (£3.7m) are the only individuals who have continued to provide the goods this season and the latter has been frustrated by injury setbacks.
Jurgen Klopp’s side would have have savoured their victory over neighbours Everton but the table remains grim reading for a side who hold both domestic cups, they’re ninth having won nine of their 21 league fixtures so far.
A thrashing away to Napoli aside, Liverpool’s performances in the Champions League have been more typical of recent years but another meeting with European specialists Real Madrid in the round of 16 represents a stern test.
Naturally, Dream Team managers have ditched Matip in their droves and his ownership is now below 1%.
Fingers crossed he regains his best form at some stage but for now, as an embodiment of Liverpool’s dip, gaffers should stay clear.