Goalscoring performance vs. Southampton a ‘good step’ for Liverpool's Joel Matip

Liverpool defender Joel Matip has hailed his performance in Saturday's English Premier League win over Southampton as a ‘good step’.

The former Schalke 04 player had battled with fitness issues but was handed his first start this season, partnering Virgil van Dijk wit Joe Gomez named among the substitutes.

Matip got to the end of an Alexander Trent-Arnold corner kick to score one of the Reds’ goals in the 3-0 victory at Anfield.

And knowing the sort of understanding between Van Dijk and Gomez, he can only hope to get more playing time - especially with a busy schedule imminent.

“They [Van Dijk and Gomez] played the whole season well and there was no reason to change,” Matip told club website.

“I was injured and still needed some time to get in and to be on a good level, but I am on a good way and this was a good step.

“I still need some time but I am on a good way and we have a lot of games, a lot of players, so I hope that I can also play a few games more.”

Liverpool - who now have to face Chelsea twice, Napoli and Manchester City within 11 days - have won a record seven-straight games so far this campaign.

And Matip, however, believes there is room for improvement.

“Today we had a few problems but we can still increase. We are on a good way and if we win everything is fine, but we know we have to get better and I am still positive.”