Joel Matips Reds For Top 4

Liverpool’s defense has been, shall we say, shaky this season. However, when it has performed at its best, one man is usually responsible: Joel Matip. Since arriving from Schalke, Matip has impressed. Now that he’s gotten through his injury spell and little spat with FIFA, he thinks the Redmen are ready to push on for that coveted Top 4 spot.

"I think we have the quality to go there and be on a good way,” Matip said in an interview with the club’s official website. "If we show our quality, I'm positive we will (qualify for Champions League)."

The German-Cameroonian defender spent his entire professional career at Schalke in the Bundesliga before making the move to Merseyside last summer. He said it was challenging at first, but he now feels well-adjusted to the new league, and new teammates.

"It was my first real change and this was all new.

"At the beginning it was not always easy but all the people gave me a really warm welcome and it was nice to be here.

"Everybody helped me and that's why I really feel at home. I've got a good feeling being here."

Hopefully Matip & Co. are well rested when they travel to play Leicester City on Monday night. While the Reds are fighting for their Champions League dreams, the defending champs are fighting to keep their heads above the relegation zone.