The reasons behind Joel Matip’s withdrawal from the Cameroon national team have long been shrouded in mystery. Recently, former Indomitable Lions midfielder Alexandre Song offered his perspective on the matter, providing insight into the situation that has puzzled many fans and analysts.
Matip, who made his final appearance for Cameroon on September 6, 2015, in a victory against Gambia, left a significant void in the team. His departure came just a year after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, where he had been a key player.
Despite his undeniable potential, which later flourished at Liverpool, Cameroon was deprived of what could have been Matip’s best years on the international stage.
Speculation has long surrounded Matip’s exit, with rumors suggesting that favoritism towards Aurélien Chedjou played a role.
It was alleged that Chedjou, who was often paired with the irreplaceable Nicolas Nkoulou, was preferred over Matip, leading to the latter’s frustration and eventual departure. However, Alexandre Song, Matip’s former teammate, has provided a different angle on the controversy.
In an interview with Investir Au Pays, Song addressed the favoritism claims, stating, “We must not lie to ourselves, the Matip we knew at Liverpool is not the one who arrived in the national team.
His talent is not up for discussion, he is a great player, even when he arrived. But Aurélien had a bit more of an edge over him.
Matip unfortunately played for the German championship, which was underrated at the time, while Aurélien was at Lille, where he became the champion of France and played every match.”
Song’s comments highlight the competitive nature of the selection process within the national team. He acknowledged Matip’s talent but also pointed out that Chedjou’s experience and achievements at Lille gave him a slight advantage
. This perspective offers a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play during Matip’s time with the Indomitable Lions.
Matip’s international career, spanning 27 caps and one goal, ended prematurely, leaving many to wonder what could have been had he stayed.
His subsequent success at Liverpool, where he became a crucial part of the team, underscores the potential that Cameroon missed out on.
As he is now a free agent following his departure from Liverpool, Matip is reportedly being courted by Bayer Leverkusen, signaling that his professional journey is far from over.
The debate over Matip’s national team tenure may never be fully resolved, but Alexandre Song’s insights provide valuable context.
They suggest that the decision-making process was more complex than mere favoritism, involving considerations of form, experience, and league reputation.
For Cameroon, the focus now shifts to nurturing the next generation of talent, hoping to avoid such controversies in the future and to fully harness the potential of their players on the international stage.
