Since signing for Liverpool for free is 2016, Joel Matip has become a cult hero amongst Liverpool fans everywhere.

The Cameroonian is a great defender and he's formed an amazing partnership and friendship with Virgil van Dijk.

Matip is known for being extremely over exaggerated on the pitch. From when a decision doesn't go his way to his amazing celebrations, everyone loves Joel.

 It's not just the fans who love Matip. Liverpool players only ever have good things to say about Joel and when he's on camera he is always having banter with them.

The person closest to him, Virgil van Dijk has, recently explained what a character he is on and off the pitch.

"He's a special, special character and we all appreciate him." said van Dijk.

"Not only for his qualities - he's an unbelievable defender – but as a human being. He's how everyone should take life – very easy, be nice and put things in perspective.

"We all appreciate him. But it's just been good being around everyone. The rest of the boys, the work we put in, the fun that we have around the games, it's just good to be around each other and I'm enjoying every bit of it."

If Joel can stay fit we all know he is easily a top five defender in the Premier League so hopefully he can do that and help Liverpool push for a second title!

Read More Liverpool Coverage

Follow LFC Transfer Room on: Twitter | YouTube | Instagram | TikTok | Facebook

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Rams trade up in second round, select another FSU DL at No. 39
Falcons trade up in second round, draft Clemson DL at No. 35
Maple Leafs star breaks silence on postseason absence, addresses Game 4 status
With first pick of second round, Bills finally draft WR
Report: What Giants, Vikings offered in attempt to trade up for Drake Maye
Yet another starting pitcher goes down with elbow discomfort
Kirk Cousins comments on Falcons' decision to draft QB Michael Penix Jr.
Falcons reportedly tried to trade back into Round 1
Juwan Howard returning to NBA as Eastern Conference assistant
Report: NBA, Amazon Prime Video nearing streaming-rights deal
Angels once more set to be without veteran infielder for extended stretch
NFL makes big equipment change for 2024 season
Orioles stud prospect's first taste of majors doesn't last long
Biggest first-round snubs of the 2024 NFL Draft
Pelicans' Zion Williamson could return during playoffs
Roger Goodell speaks honestly about 18-game NFL season plan
ESPN analysts disagree over Falcons drafting Michael Penix Jr.
Former Knicks guard calls out Joel Embiid for questionable play
LeBron James as Lakers struggle: 'We're supposed to have anxiety'
Bills GM doesn't regret trading back with Chiefs in first round of NFL Draft

Want more Soccer news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.