Is it too simplistic to say that the direction of Liverpool’s season now hinges on the fitness of Joel Matip?
Maybe — but rarely has so much importance been placed on the future well-being of a team’s third-best central defender. But with Virgil van Dijk and Joe Gomez injured for the rest of the campaign, it feels like Matip will have to make a significant contribution when he returns from his latest problem if his team’s underwhelming form is not to continue.
Not all of Liverpool’s issues are in this area. Despite a recent 7-0 thumping of Crystal Palace in London, Liverpool have not been as fluent with the ball this season.