'Matip has added an extra dimension for the Reds'
Joel Matip has impressed John Aldridge not only by settling quickly into the Liverpool defence but with his willingness and capability to carry the ball out from the back too.
The 25-year-old helped keep Manchester United at bay on Monday night as the Reds played out a goalless draw with their Premier League rivals at Anfield.
Matip almost created a winning goal for his side in the second half too as he moved forward and slid a pass into Emre Can, whose strike was stopped by David de Gea.
"I was impressed by Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren," Aldridge writes in his latest Liverpool Echo column. "Partnerships are key at centre-back and the pair are starting to develop an understanding.
"I have been particularly impressed with Matip, who was my Man of the Match on Monday and kept Zlatan Ibrahimovic pretty quiet.
"He can also create chances out of defence, as he demonstrated with his pass for Emre Can in the second half.
"When teams sit back, you need someone who can step into midfield from the back. In my day, we'd have Alan Hansen bringing the ball out and he'd sometimes get as far as the opposing back four.
"Matip is capable of doing that. When teams play with one or even none up front, it gives a centre-back licence to go upfield. Matip is adding an extra dimension to our play."