Jurgen Klopp happy as favorite player fully resume in preparation to face Ajax

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp is expected to recall Joel Matip to the starting lineup against Ajax in the Champions League.

Due to the weekend postponement of the Premier League, the Reds have not played since their 4-1 thrashing of Napoli in their European opener last week.

Matip came on as a substitute for Joe Gomez on that humiliating night in Italy, and according to the Times, he will start tonight.

That is perhaps not the most surprising decision given how easy it was for Napoli to get at Liverpool last time out

Matip to start for Liverpool against Ajax

Liverpool needs something to shake themselves after a patchy start to the season and perhaps the weekend postponement will allow them to regroup.

It should be a special atmosphere tonight in front of their own fans as they look to get their first European points of the season.

Matip’s experience and relationship with Virgil van Dijk should help Liverpool be more solid against a side who turned over Rangers 4-0 last time out.

Last year, the Dutchman told the Liverpool media team, “He’s a special, special character, and we all appreciate him in our group.”

“Not only for his qualities – he’s an incredible defender – but also as a human being.”

“He, I believe, is how everyone should approach life – very easy, be nice, and put a lot of things in perspective.”

“We all admire him. But just being around everyone has been enjoyable.”