Liverpool legend Aldridge backs Matip and Lovren partnership at heart of Liverpool rearguard

LIVERPOOL legend John Aldridge believes Jurgen Klopp has a big plus to take from the disappointing 0-0 draw in the Premier League at Southampton. Make that two plus points.

For the clean sheet proved that the rock-solid partnership is flourishing between Joel Matip and Dejan Lovren at the heart of the Reds defence.

Klopp’s outfit went ito the encounter at the top of the pile but were left frustrated after creating a clutch of chances but failing to get the breakthrough goal and secure a victory and the three points.

Lovren faced a barrage of animosity from Saints fans at St Mary’s on his return to the club that sold him to the Anfield giants. But he answered his critics with a solid display alongside his partner at the back.

And Aldridge said: “Joel Matip has been excellent since he came to Liverpool and he was very good again on Saturday”.

“He just calms things down and is having a big influence. On the ball he is brilliant and in the air he is excellent. He and Lovren have got a good partnership going”.

“Dejan got a hostile reception on Saturday but he ignored it. He played really well and that’s what you want to see. He has nothing to prove”.

“Teams do what Southampton tried all the time and that is that they used a defensive set up and tried to hit us on the break and take all three points. But we got a clean sheet and I thought we defended really well”.

Liverpool bid to get back in the winning groove on Saturday when Sunderland visit Anfield for a Premier League encounter.

The Black Cats are second from bottom of the table but have won their past two matches under former Everton manager David Moyes.

 

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