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Joel Matip was one of Liverpool’s most recognisable players throughout the Jurgen Klopp era.

The centre-back was brought in from Schalke on a free transfer, and although towards the end of his career, he suffered a fair few injuries, he was more often than not one of Liverpool’s most reliable players.

The Cameroonian formed an iconic partnership with Virgil van Dijk, and although there were times when players such as Joe Gomez and Nat Phillips were started over him, there’s no denying that Matip was an impressive player.

He donned the Red of Liverpool for eight years and, nine years ago on 23 August, the former Schalke man made his debut for the club.

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And, back in 2020, Klopp’s love for Matip was proven after what he said about the form of the former Cameroon international.

“The best football age!

If he is in the best moment of his career, I don’t know, but I was really happy with the moment of his career he was in for the last four years.

Indeed, you could argue that Gomez and Ibrahima Konate are now better players than the centre-back, but while the aforementioned pair were finding their feet, Matip was helping ensure Liverpool got to where they are today.

As laid out previously, nine years ago today (23 August 2016), the Cameroonian entered the hearts of the entire Liverpool fanbase and, to be quite frank, it’s doubtful that he’s even left yet.