Liverpool defender Joel Matip was unlucky to miss out on the starting XI for today’s derby against Everton.
Matip was replaced in the Reds line-up on Saturday by Ibrahima Konate, ending a run of six consecutive Premier League starts.
After Konate was lucky to get away with a second yellow card though, Jurgen Klopp chose to bring the Cameroonian on.
It was only a 25-minute cameo from Matip, but he did enough to impress TNT Sports co-commentator Rio Ferdinand.
“He’s unlucky not to start in this team, Joel Matip,” said the former England defender.
“He always produces, always plays well. He had a great partnership with Virgil van Dijk a couple of years ago. He looks so cool and calm.”
With Konate looking a little shaky, Klopp has a decision to make for the coming games.
Although Konate started the season as the first-choice alongside Van Dijk, that has changed recently. Injury disrupted Ibou, and Matip took his place.
Konate has still been playing since recovering, but his starts have been reduced to Europa League and Carabao Cup matches.
Nevertheless, the expectation has always been that the Frenchman would return before too long.
