Joel Matip v Michael Keane – Stats Comparision
Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool are one of the most exciting sides this season but like in the recent game against Bournemouth, they have shown a weakness at the back that needs to be addressed this summer. The manager has been linked to a number of stars recently but one player who has been on the radar recently is former Manchester United star Michael Keane. Here in this article, we are going compare him with Liverpool’s main defender – Joel Matip.
The summer buy for Liverpool has played just 22 games this season compared to the 31 from the Burnley man. While Matip has a goal to his name, Keane has two and has been in immense form for the Clarets. Both players are decent with the ball at their feet and have decent passing success this season. While Matip has been accurate with 86% of his passes, Keane has been slightly worse with an accuracy of 73% this season.
Coming to the important attribute of the game, Matip has lost just 19 tackles of the many that he has attempted, giving away just ten fouls the entire season. Keane, on the other hand, has lost just 14 of his tackles but 13 of those were fouls, mostly in dangerous areas. With 62 interceptions, 38 blocks and 229 clearances, Keane trumps Matip in each of the three departments. Matip has just 30 interceptions, 11 blocks and 116 clearances to his name this season.
Both are no nonsense defenders who love to keep their goal clean. So they have been exceptional with their duels but Keane has been slightly better here as well. While the Burnley man has won 62.9% of his ariel duels and 61.1% of his total duels, Matip has won just 59% of his ariel duels and 56.9% of his total duels. These numbers are on the higher side for defenders in the league this season.
They have also been disciplined picking up just three yellows each and though Keane has made a couple of errors, his stats puts him toe to toe with Liverpool’s main defender. Liverpool need a top class defender who can complement Matip next season and though his United connection could be a problem, Michael Keane seems to be a superb option for Liverpool.