With Schalke defender Joel Matip linked with a summer move to Liverpool, former S04 man Christoph Metzelder has described the club as a “super destination”.
Matip is believed to be on Liverpool’s radar ahead of a free transfer at the end of the 2015/16 campaign, when his Schalke contract expires.
The 24-year-old is thought to be the subject of interest from a pair of Ligue 1 clubs, with the likes of Marseille and Lorient likely to be in the market for a defender in the summer.
But according to Metzelder, who also turned out for Borussia Dortmund and Real Madrid during a 15-year senior career, a move to Liverpool would be the right choice for Matip.
“This season he is by far the strongest defender at Schalke and an absolute anchor,” he told German publication Der Westen.
“Joel is free. If the interest is from England and he wants to have an experience abroad, then Liverpool is a super destination for him.
Though Metzelder didn’t cross paths with Jurgen Klopp at Dortmund, the 35-year-old believes he is the right manager for Matip.
“Jurgen knows he can work very well with him,” he continued.
“For Joel it would be an easier entry into a new country and a new environment.
“This makes a lot of sense.”
If Matip decides to join Liverpool at the end of the season, he would provide Klopp with an invaluable defensive option.
Strong, agile and aggressive, Matip is a front-footed defender who is able to operate at centre-back, left-back, right-back and at the base of the midfield.
Also comfortable in possession, the Cameroon international would complement the likes of Mamadou Sakho and Dejan Lovren perfectly.
With a strong reference from a former Germany international who has experienced life abroad in La Liga, Matip may be swayed towards Merseyside this summer.
If Liverpool are able to secure his signing, Klopp would be gaining a considerable defensive talent.
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