Joel Matip names most talented Liverpool pair, one out-of-sorts under Klopp
By Dominic Toner
Defender Joel Matip has named Philippe Coutinho and Daniel Sturridge as the most talented players in the Liverpool squad.
Brazilian attacker Coutinho is widely regarded as a star player at Anfield and has showcased his talents in the Premier League since his arrival.
Meanwhile, Sturridge has been out-of-sorts under manager Jurgen Klopp and has struggled to force his way into the starting line-up on a regular basis.
The 27-year-old striker has lost his starting place to Roberto Firmino and is yet to complete 90 minutes in the Premier League this campaign.
However, Matip was asked who the most talented players were in the Reds squad and was confident in saying Coutinho and Sturridge, despite the latter struggling for game time this season.
“Daniel and Coutinho (are the most talented). If you see them with the ball you don’t have to say something, everybody knows there’re amazing,” Matip said, as quoted by the Liverpool Echo.
Matip moved to Anfield in the summer on a free transfer and has had the opportunity to work with the players for over half a season.
The centre-back has formed a strong partnership alongside Dejan Lovren and helped Liverpool be in contention for a Champions League spot.
Coutinho is set to play a vital role in the club’s ambitions for the rest of the campaign and will be keen to rediscover his best form.
The 24-year-old has scored six goals and supplied seven assists in 23 appearances this season, but has struggled since he returned from injury in January.
Sturridge will just be hoping to force his way back into contention as he is currently restricted to cameo appearances from the bench.
The England international still has a very respectable strike rate for the Merseyside club despite his lack of play time under Klopp, scoring 60 goals in 113 appearances.
In other Liverpool news, the club’s supporters reacted on Twitter to Jordon Ibe’s performance v Manchester City.
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