Liverpool defender Joel Matip has rejected this season's critics.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Matip hit back at the early-season criticism of him and his Reds team-mates and admitted he believes Liverpool can pose a threat to any side in world football when on peak form.

“If somebody starts struggling then the voices on the outside always get louder but I have all the confidence in my teammates and the club that we are still a strong side and can beat everyone," said the defender. “I'm not in doubt about the quality of our team. People outside will speak but to be honest I don't care too much about these types of things.

“It's something special to have a big break during the season like this but for us, it maybe wasn't too bad to have to get a few more players in the team, to reorganise and to get back to our strengths.

"For me especially, because I was injured, it gives me some extra time and some games."

He added: "It will be tough for every team and we'll see who gets the better restart but we're looking forward to it and the team is looking good."