Joel Matip is hoping to build on an impressive debut campaign in the Premier League and use the experience he's gained to help provide Liverpool with even better displays in defence in 2017-18.

The elegant centre-back excelled in his maiden season with the Reds following his free transfer switch from Schalke last summer.

Naturally commanding in the air due to his six-foot-four-inch frame, Matip also caught the eye with his elegance on the ball and ability to play out from the back.

However, he is not wholly satisfied due to a belief he has more to offer - and is aiming to use last term as a platform to improve even further this time around.

Matip said recently: “I really like to have the ball. It’s one of the nicest things when you’re out on the pitch. I try to do my best: when to look forward, when to create chances or help my teammates in front.

“But I am very self-critical as well. I always want to improve myself. You have to work hard and keep trying and learning – that’s the way you get better.

“Before I came here I knew about the Premier League. I saw a lot of games and I had an idea what to expect. So I prepared right from the beginning. Maybe the top teams try to play a bit more, but every team gives everything in this league.

“The ball goes from one end of the pitch to the other, all the time, so you can always be vulnerable if you’re not at your best. You have to concentrate because in every match just one situation can decide it.”