Joel Matip wants opponents to be terrified of facing Liverpool this season, but has also stressed the importance of keeping clean sheets.
The Reds have been in blistering form of late, winning five and drawing one of their last six matches in all competitions and scoring 20 goals in the process.
Saturday’s 5-1 thrashing of Hull City was the latest display of brilliance by Jurgen Klopp‘s side, as they jumped to fourth in the Premier League table.
Matip has made a quietly impressive start to life at Anfield, and he has spoken about Liverpool’s intended approach to games this season:
“To play as a team and to have a great spirit together,” he told the Liverpool Echo.
“Also to be compact and use the skills of my team-mates and myself and to press teams so that no opponent is safe with the ball. That they always have to be afraid that we are coming!
“Beyond that it is too early to make predictions. We will see what the season brings because there is a long time between now and May.
“We have to continue to play this way and make the most of all our fixtures at Anfield. Our aim is to keep improving week by week.”
The 25-year-old also spoke about Liverpool’s frustrating inability to keep clean-sheets, with their last shutout in the league coming in the 2-0 home win against Watford in May.
“A solid defence always helps to win games and it is always necessary for a good team,” he added.
“We have to improve but we know this.
“We will work hard towards getting better and keeping clean sheets because sometimes we may only be able to score one goal and we want that to be enough to win.”
While Liverpool may still look flawed in defence, Matip has made a noticeable difference since his summer move from Schalke.
The Cameroonian’s aerial prowess and elegance on the ball have drawn comparisons with Reds legend Sami Hyypia, and the early signs are very promising.
He and his teammates will hope a first clean sheet of the season comes their way at Swansea City on Saturday lunchtime, as well as three points.
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