Liverpool opinion: Liverpool to reward Matip and Milner with extensions

According to a report in the Telegraph, James Milner and Joel Matip are expected to be rewarded with extensions that’ll keep them at Liverpool until 2021. Both of them have a year left on their contracts.

The Reds have had their best season since the inception of the Premier League with 97 points in the league and the all-important 6th European Cup.

The points tally wasn’t enough to win them their much awaited first Premier League trophy but they will take a lot of heart and encouragement from their efforts this season.

Milner and Matip have played their part in Liverpool’s best seasons in recent memory. Milner was one of the stand out players in Europe at the start of the season but Jurgen Klopp had to manage his minutes with the Englishman being on the wrong side of 30 now – 33 to be precise.

However, that isn’t to say Milner has ever been a liability. Milner has almost always been a standout player when he’s stepped onto the pitch this season and he could have a similar impact next season.

Milner has been one of Jurgen Klopp’s most important players since his arrival at Anfield. The former City man has played various positions around the field and has been tasked with nullifying some of the best players in the world like Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr.

Milner was linked with Leeds but their lack of Premier League football might have changed his mind about the move. Having started his career at Elland Road, it would be fitting that he spend the latter parts of his fantastic career there.

Matip, on the other hand, did not play many games at the start of the season but has made the right-centre-back position his own after injuries to Joe Gomez and Dejan Lovren.

Matip joined Liverpool from Schalke on a free transfer but struggled to hit the ground running but has had his best period of form in recent months.

Matip and van Djik’s partnership has been fantastic. Van Dijk is often tasked with sweeping up the danger and making long diagonal passes, whereas Matip has taken it upon himself to drive the ball from defence to midfield.

This would come as a blow to Dejan Lovren, who would now seem to be the player that is lowest in the pecking order.

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Conclusion

Matip’s performances towards the end of the season make him deserving of a new contract. Milner’s experience, leadership qualities, work rate and flexibility will always be of use to Jurgen Klopp as well. Everything’s on the up for the team from Merseyside.