Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed unsung hero Joel Matip as one of the best signings he has made.
In his four years at the club the German has broken the club’s transfer record twice with the signings of Mohamed Salah (£38million) and Virgil Van Dijk (£75million).
He has made five other £30m-plus signings but believes free transfer Matip was the best deal.
“In a world of big transfer fees, to sign a player like Joel Matip on a free transfer is incredible,” said Klopp.
“It was maybe one of the best pieces of business we did in the last few years.
“Joel was always an incredible talent. He played as an 18-year-old boy for Schalke in the Bundesliga.
“It’s a strong league and he played there, and was always a standout player, a fixed point in defence.
Klopp was also happy with the current injury situation with goalkeeper Alisson Becker expected to make his long-awaited return to first-team training on Sunday.
The Brazil international has been sidelined with a calf injury since the opening match of the season on August 9.
“Alisson looks like he is close, but the final word is with the medical department,” said manager Jurgen Klopp.
“He’s not in contention for tomorrow. Maybe he can train with the team from Sunday on. Really close.
“Alisson’s injury was serious but in the last two weeks he progressed really really well.”
Sadio Mane has fully recovered from a dead leg sustained in last weekend’s win at Chelsea while fellow forward Divock Origi has returned after missing three matches with an ankle injury, although midfielder Xherdan Shaqiri, who injured a calf in training on Monday, is not fit.
