‘He was top scorer that year’ - from shy teen loved by German ultras to social media sensation Liverpool signed for free

Joel Matip has always been a unique footballer.

The centre-half captured the hearts of Liverpool fans through his mix of resolute defending, trademark mazy dribbles, and partnership with Virgil van Dijk, all of which have helped show glimpses of his personality on the pitch.

It has largely been these moments supporters have been limited to during his time at the club. An elusive figure in the social media age, Matip has chosen to allow his football to do the talking.

Not that this has prevented the former Cameroon international from developing a cult online following, at times led by Van Dijk himself, as his popularity within the Liverpool dressing room shines through.

One pivotal figure who helped mould Matip into the person he is today is long-standing Schalke under-19 manager, Norbert Elgert.

The former German Coach of the Year has been at the club since 1996 and also helped forge the burgeoning careers of Manuel Neuer, Mesut Ozil, and Leroy Sane. The Reds’ number 32 is another high-profile Knappenschmiede graduate.

Speaking exclusively to the ECHO, Elgert remembers Matip having a similar personality to the one Liverpool fans now recognise; quietly self-confident while studious of the game.

The experienced coach also gave an insight into how the 30-year-old developed his more attack-minded attributes.

“Even then, Joel was rather reserved and modest, but quite self-confident and always a team player,” Elgert said.

“From a young age he had a very good attitude towards school and football. He was extremely hard-working and very ambitious.

"As a central defender, he was fast and strong in defensive one-on-one and with a lot of drive forward. That's why I often let him play up front in his second U19 year. He was