Matip was an automatic pick as you say. What you failed to illiterate was that Joe Gomez underwent ankle surgery in December 2018 and didn't return until April 2019.
You can blame yourself for that. You suggested Lovren was an alternative, and he did play a few important games (such as Man City at home). So yes, he was an automatic first pick in every way that you framed (he was available, he was 'go to' and he played great).
Since VVD got injured the go-to pick for centre back has been central midfield player Fabinho.
Haha you're silly.
Do you know who was already playing at centre back on the day VVD got injured? It was Matip (with Gomez on the bench). I guess you just don't know what 'go to' means?
So in terms of availability and effecting the first team Matip has been abject.
Ooh aren't you edgy Al. Abject is an ugly snide word for you to use for someone who can't get healthy.
He's played in 8 of our 17 league games o far, and it'll go up to 50% when he plays this evening.
Bafflingly bad shout that you think he hasn't effected the team. Have you missed his performances? Do you think we draw against City in our most important league game of the season so far without Matip?