Matip: Jordan always has the ball, sometimes I think he's everywhere!
Jordan Henderson's leadership qualities on and off the pitch have played a significant part in helping Joel Matip settle into life as a Liverpool player, the centre-back has revealed.
Jürgen Klopp has deployed Henderson in a deeper role this season, with the skipper adapting seamlessly to his position at the base of the Reds’ midfield.
The 26-year-old, who captained England for the first time in their midweek game against Slovenia, is set to lead Liverpool into their eagerly-awaited clash with Manchester United at Anfield on Monday night.
And Matip, a summer signing from Schalke, has spoken of his admiration for Henderson - both on a professional and personal level.
Joel: Sometimes I think Jordan is everywhere!
“He’s the leader. From the first day he came up to me and [asked] if I needed something. He’s a great player on the field but also off the field,” the Cameroonian defender told Liverpoolfc.com.
“You always want to keep the team together because you know as a team you can achieve something. He is a great person and a great player.”
No player has made more passes in the Premier League this season than Henderson and, on his captain’s adjustment to his new role in Klopp’s midfield, Matip added: “He does a very good job. He always has the ball and sometimes [on the pitch] I think he is everywhere!
“That’s always good, especially for the centre-backs like me because you always know he is there and he will help you. You can always play [the ball] to him and he gives the team a lot of strength and calm. And sometimes he scores, so perfect!”
Matip was also asked for his view on Gareth Southgate’s decision to give the armband to Henderson for England’s World Cup qualifier in Ljubljana.
“It was very nice to see him skipper his international team. It only shows how well he played in the last game [against Malta] and it’s a good sign,” the 25-year-old said.
To see more from our interview with Matip, watch the latest episode of #LFCWORLD on LFCTV GO below. Need a subscription? Click here.