[ad_pod ]

This article is part of Football FanCast's In Numbers series, which takes a statistical look at performances, season-long form and reported transfer targets... 

Liverpool were not at their best but ground out a 2-1 victory away at Chelsea, and so Joel Matip's contribution was vital to the win.

It was far from a vintage performance from the Reds but they showed they are able to roll their sleeves up and deal with whatever the opposition throws at them, although they also have Adrian to thank for maintaining their lead at certain points in the match.

Cleverly worked free-kicks brought Liverpool their two goals but they had only one other shot on target in the match, and their uncharacteristic mistakes on the ball led to large spells of Chelsea domination.

Jurgen Klopp's side managed just 45% possession due to their pass accuracy of 73%, and the resulting pressure meant the backline had to stand up and be counted.

Virgil van Dijk is often the defender who receives the plaudits, but he was outshone by his centre-back partner in all defensive aspects, and Matip's performance was rightly recognised as he picked up the Man of the Match award.

According to SofaScore the 28-year-old put in an accomplished performance in all areas of his game, and since he could do little to prevent N'Golo Kante's goal, which came down Liverpool's left, it is fair to say he didn't put a foot wrong defensively.

He is now beginning to match the assured presence of van Dijk and that makes life much easier for both Adrian and the two full-backs, who like to get forward whenever possible.

Like his defensive partner he is a nightmare physically for attackers. He can be dominant in the air and impose himself on whoever he is marking, but crucially rarely concedes fouls, as his league record this season proves.

Watch Liverpool Live Streams With StreamFootball.tv Below

What's more impressive is that he is able to win duels on both the ground and in the air, acting as a robust brick wall against Chelsea he ensured his opponent never got past him, meaning the Blues were mostly reduced to long-range efforts.

If he continues this form it is very difficult to envisage him losing his place to Joe Gomez, which was a possibility at the beginning of the season when the 22-year-old started the first league game.

Matip handled one of the Premier League's in-form strikers with ease, winning three tackles in the process, and his ability to dig in deep and lead from the back along with van Dijk could be vital to Liverpool's success this term.