Klopp: Why Matip's form is no surprise to me
Joel Matip's seamless adaption to the demands of the Premier League has come as no surprise to Jürgen Klopp, who has praised the 'really cool' Liverpool centre-back.
A classy, composed presence at the heart of the Reds' defence, Matip has impressed hugely since his free transfer from Schalke in the summer.
The Cameroon international, who had previously spent the entirety of his career in the Bundesliga, has made a smooth transition to life in the English top flight, forming a promising central-defensive partnership with Dejan Lovren.
And Klopp believes Matip's assured manner on and off the pitch has helped his team this season.
"From the first moment when we thought about him and we knew his situation, we knew his readiness to change club and come to Liverpool and all that stuff, we were convinced we would do it," said the boss.
"We didn't do it just because he didn't cost a transfer fee, not one second, that was only a nice plus.
"We are not surprised. We thought it would work and that is why you make transfers. All the rest is about the boy. He is very cool, really cool.
"He's not the most talkative person, I would say. That all helps. He is confident. In his first few weeks he said 'I think I can help the team' and that was confidence.
"That is what you need. The rest you need is quality and the help of your team."