Virgil van Dijk’s centre-back partner Joel Matip has been awarded the Premier League Player of the Month for February 2022, thanks to his contributions at the back and at the top end of the pitch for Liverpool in their four Feb wins.
It was a great month for Liverpool, let alone Joel Matip. The Reds saw their Premier League title ambitions come to life when they closed the gap between them and Manchester City by six points – including a game in hand over the league leaders.
They went on an almost flawless run but conceded a goal against Norwich City. Nonetheless, the run was an amazing one and a true reflection of why Jurgen Klopp’s men are now closer than they’ve been all season to maybe knocking Pep Guardiola off his throne.
Making an impact at both ends of the pitch 💪
— Premier League (@premierleague) March 11, 2022
Joel Matip is the @easportsfifa Player of the Month for February 🔴#PLAwards pic.twitter.com/zkTr2qbTu4
A major asset in their four Feb wins? Joel Matip!
The Reds, during the month of love, scored a mammoth 12 goals and conceded one goal over their four EPL outings. It saw them hold on to the title of the best-attacking team with 71 goals scored. Meanwhile, they trail behind Man City and Chelsea as the third-best defensive team in the PL.
It’s almost impossible to single out one player in Liverpool’s lineup with personnel such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, Thiago Alcântara and others, but Matip has stood above his teammates and opponents.
Joel Matip’s numbers for February 2022
- Games Played: 4
- Minutes Played: 360
- Goals: 1
- Assists: 1
- Touches: 381
- Tackles: 5
- Interceptions: 18
- Blocks: 4
- Completed Passes: 305
- Progressive Carries: 46
▪️ One goal, one assist⁰▪️ 4/4 wins⁰▪️ Three clean sheets⁰▪️ Played every minute ⁰⁰Joël Matip is the Premier League Player of the Month for February 🔴⁰⁰(via @LFC)pic.twitter.com/GkASkAzf4b
— B/R Football (@brfootball) March 11, 2022
His dribbling has been second to none and he has applied some deft touches for an assist and a goal during this time. The biggest improvement to his game: he has been fit and available for selection more often than not.
He featured in every minute for Klopp during February and was a key figure, if not, the best thing next to Mo Salah. Matip rightfully beat his teammate Mane to the award. Up next for Jurgen Klopp, his top player Joel Matip and the team; they open up Matchday 29 on Saturday against Brighton.