Joel Matip has been rewarded with a new five-year contract by Liverpool.
Cameroon international Matip became one of Jurgen Klopp’s early signings when he arrived on a Bosman transfer from Bundesliga Schalke in summer 2016.
Klopp has routinely praised the defender and last month described him as ‘incredible’ after forming a solid centre-back partnership with Virgil van Dijk.
Matip’s existing deal at Anfield had been due to expire at the end of this season but the European champions moved swiftly to safeguard his long-term future.
The 28-year-old, who is set to return from injury in the Reds’ trip to Manchester United on Sunday, said: “It’s a great feeling to be a longer part of the club. It’s really just a great feeling.
“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.”
“Joel has been operating as a world-class centre-half throughout this year and long may it continue,” said Klopp.
“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 (Lovren) and Joe (Gomez) in the position. I’m fortunate to be able to pick from such outstanding talent.
“Off the pitch, Joel is one of the nicest, most humble guys you could wish to meet, but on it he is a fighter, someone who gives everything to try to help the team get the victory. He has a winner’s mentality.
“He loves what he is doing and for us to have him here for even longer is perfect for us all.”