Liverpool defender Joel Matip has been voted the PFA Bristol Street Motors Fans’ Player of the Month after some outstanding performances for the Reds in September.

The 28-year-old won 44% of the vote, with Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez finishing in second on 17%, while Arsenal’s Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and City’s Kevin De Bruyne were joint third on 14%.

Matip has arguably been the stronger of Liverpool’s two centre-backs this season, outshining his partner Virgil van Dijk on occasions. He played in all three of the Reds’ league victories in September, putting in a masterful performance as the Merseysiders kept a clean sheet in the 1-0 win over Sheffield United.

The centre-back has, however, been sidelined with a knee injury since that victory over the Blades. He was badly missed as Liverpool conceded three in the 4-3 win against Salzburg and was also missing for Saturday’s game against Leicester.

Manager Jurgen Klopp has said, though, that Matip is looking good following his return to training, and will almost certainly be available for selection when the Reds face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday week.