Watch Manchester United vs Liverpool live on Sky Sports Premier League from 3pm on Sunday; Kick-off 4.30pm
Saturday 19 October 2019 16:28, UK
Liverpool defender Joel Matip has signed a new long-term contract, which is understood to last until the summer of 2024.
Matip has established himself as a first-choice centre-back in Jurgen Klopp's defence this season and been instrumental in helping Liverpool open up an eight-point lead over champions Manchester City in the Premier League.
The Cameroonian, who has started six of the Reds' eight league matches alongside Virgil van Dijk so far this campaign, joined Liverpool on a four-year deal for a free transfer from German side Schalke in 2016.
"It's a great feeling to be a longer part of the club. It's really just a great feeling," Matip told Liverpool's club website.
"From outside, you know Liverpool is such a big club - but when you are inside, then you really get a feeling for how big the club is. In all the countries, the supporters are everywhere. It's a massive and big club that I think every player would want to play for.
"We have a young and talented team and I think every one of us is hungry. Now we've seen how it is to win something and we want to have that feeling again.
"There are a lot of things still to achieve. You never know how it will end, you just have to work hard and do the best you can do. Then we will see.
"It is an honour to be a part of the club. It makes me happy that people think I've done a good job and they want to keep me."
The 28-year-old played a key role last season helping Liverpool to achieve 21 clean sheets- the highest of any Premier League team.
And boss Jurgen Klopp has praised Matip for proving the doubters wrong with consistent performances, which he believes has elevated him into world class status.
" I knew what he was capable of from seeing him up close in the Bundesliga and we were certain he could bring that performance level to us," Klopp told Liverpool's club website.
"Of course, it is not easy for any player coming to the Premier League, let alone coming to a club the size of Liverpool, so maybe in the beginning there were some questions externally about his consistency. But not anymore.
"Joel has been operating as a world-class centre-half throughout this year and long may it continue.
"I haven't seen many in his position performing with the consistency and quality he has been.
"Obviously here at Liverpool, we're very lucky to have not only him, but also Virg, Dejan and Joe in the position. I'm fortunate to be able to pick from such outstanding talent."
Matip, who missed Liverpool's wins against Salzburg and Leicester with a knock before the international break, is in contention to be fit to face Manchester United on Sunday, live on Sky Sports Premier League.
A victory for Liverpool will see Klopp's side match the Premier League record for consecutive victories - 18 - set by Manchester City in the 2018-19 campaign.
Watch Manchester United vs Liverpool live on Super Sunday from 3pm on Sky Sports Premier League; kick-off 4.30pm.
Sky Sports customers can watch in-game clips in the live match blog on the Sky Sports website and app. Highlights will also be published on the Sky Sports digital platforms and the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel shortly after the final whistle.
