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Salah will make Premier League defenders despair, says Matip

Mohamed Salah will make Premier League defenders despair during his first season at Liverpool, according to team-mate Joel Matip.

The former Chelsea winger signed for Jurgen Klopp's side from Roma last month in a club-record move that could reach a final value of €50million.

Matip told Omnisport: "Salah already played in England. He has high skills at dribbling, tempo and finishing and he makes defenders despair.

"There is so much quality [in attack], the right pace and it will be hard for our opponents to stop them."

He said: "From every player [Klopp wants] fast counter-pressing with direct attacks, but also a clean and structured build-up with specific position-play. 

"But of course, if we lose the ball, the first step is towards the ball and not back to defend at our box. 

"We are defending very high. It begins with the strikers, who madly run [at] the opponent, putting in many meters and giving their all. 

"It is hard to describe [Klopp's aura]. He is very affable and direct, even when it is about issues, he is straight but cordial. If you do something wrong he clearly tells you to do better but he stays affable."

Matip is unfazed by a new start to the top-flight season that includes clashes with Arsenal and Manchester City in the first four weeks and is also aware next month's Champions League play-off tie is a huge early season hurdle.

"That is why you play in the Premier League, to face such names and top players every week – it is something special," said the Cameroon international. 

"The Champions League is what we have worked for last year. These are two important games and it will be a tough opponent. We have to put in everything for at least 180 minutes."

Asked about the prospect of a Europa League consolation prize, he added: "Everyone wishes to play Champions League, so do we. We focus on that mainly, stay positive and do everything to achieve that."