Liverpool defender Joel Matip ready to prove himself all over again in Joe Gomez battle

Fresh battle: Joel Matip is ready to fight for his place during the new campaign
Liverpool FC via Getty Images
David Lynch17 July 2019

Joel Matip does not expect his exploits at heart of Liverpool’s defence last season to count for anything when the battle for places resumes this term.

The 27-year-old was installed as Virgil van Dijk’s main partner midway through the previous campaign as a result of the broken leg Joe Gomez sustained at Burnley.

And he went on to play an important role as the Reds secured their first trophy under Jurgen Klopp, beating Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 in the Champions League final.

However, Matip knows he will have to prove himself worthy of a starting place all over again during pre-season.

“It was nice to play and have the success, but a new season begins," he told the club's official website.

“You start new and last season doesn’t matter. You only have to take the things, learn the things from last year, but we all start from new.

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“We have a lot of good players. I try to play as much as possible, but we will see.

“Because of this we have a high-quality squad like this. Everyone needs to step in if someone is missing, injured or not in the best shape. We are looking good and I am looking forward to the season.”

Liverpool entered the next stage of their preparations for the new campaign on Tuesday as they flew out to the United States.

Three friendly fixtures and more gruelling training sessions await, but Matip is well aware of the benefits of this difficult period.

He added: “You have to get used to it, it’s intense, but it is good for the pre-season.

“We need these sessions to get better and strong. It’s about fitness, getting the rhythm back, playing football and getting used to the intensity.

“You always try to lead from the front, but there are a lot of good young players trying their best [here] – we all help each other. That’s how it works in the team.”

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