Liverpool defender Joel Matip wins Premier League Player of the Month

Liverpool’s Joel Matip was named Premier League Player of the Month for February, while Eddie Howe took home Manager of the Month.

Matip becomes the first Cameroonian to win the award, which was richly deserved after a stellar month in which he played every minute of Premier League football.

Both he and centre-back partner Virgil van Dijk were in imperious form, conceding just one goal in four matches and keeping three clean sheets. 

Matip (centre) helped Liverpool to four wins, with three clean sheets and one goal conceded

Liverpool reignited the title race in February with four wins that has seen them narrow the gap to league leaders Manchester City to six points, with the Reds having a game in hand. 

But Matip stood out for more than just his defensive qualities and showed what he is capable of further up the pitch. 

He caught the eye for two pieces of brilliant forward play, first producing a sharp nutmegged assist for Diogo Jota in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Leicester. 

While Matip was rock solid in defence, it was his work going forward that also caught the eye

Matip was an unlikely scorer against Leeds, lifting a delicate finish beyond Illan Meslier

Matip then topped that with a stunning solo goal in the Reds’ 6-0 thrashing of Leeds. The 30-year-old went on a surging run into the opposition penalty box before producing a sublime chipped finish over goalkeeper Illan Meslier.  

Alongside Matip, Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was named Manager of the Month after an unbeaten February.

On Howe’s watch, the Magpies moved out of the relegation zone for the first time since September and currently sit 14th in the league.