MANCHESTER United legend Rio Ferdinand says Joel Matip should be angry about not starting Liverpool’s semi-final win over Villarreal.
Matip, 30, has featured 38 times in the Reds defence this season, forming an excellent partnership alongside Virgil van Dijk.
Joel Matip has been one of Liverpool’s standout performers this season Credit: Getty
Rio Ferdinand thought Jurgen Klopp’s decision to bench Joel Matip was harsh Credit: Getty
Ibrahima Konate came into the side making his sixth Champions League appearance in a Liverpool shirt. Credit: Getty But he was replaced by Ibrahima Konate, 22, on Wednesday night.
He has made 23 appearances in all competitions this season but only eight have come in the Premier League.
Ferdinand said on BT Sport: “‘If I’m Matip, I’m fuming.
“Because he’s been exceptional this season. You’re talking one of the best defenders in the league this season.
“But set-pieces are a big thing, so that’s why Konate is in, 100 per cent.”
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Fellow pundit Peter Crouch agreed: “Other than Matip, you could argue between him and Konate, that for me is the strongest side available.
“Konate, the reason for that is at set-pieces he’s proved in previous rounds that he can be a difference.”
Ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen added: “That’s a bit of a toss of a coin (between Konate and Matip).”
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp spoke about his team selection saying: “It’s because of the situation that we are in and the needs of the game, the opponent.
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“I could have lined up ten other players with no problem at all. They’re all in good shape, want to play and all fine.”
In the end, Liverpool sealed a convincing 2-0 win at Anfield, putting themselves in a strong position to make the final.
Ferdinand also went on to praise Klopp’s outstanding recruitment.
He highlighted the signings of Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah admitting when they joined he didn’t think they’d become world-class players.
He said: “The recruitment, it’s amazing what they’ve done.
“They don’t get many wrong. The important part is when players come through the door here, they improve.
“When Mane came, you wouldn’t have said he was going to be a world class finisher.
“Salah, even when he came, you’d never imagine he’d be doing what’s he doing.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
