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Reina’s reign to roll on?

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LFC goalkeeperTALK is cheap when it comes to transfers, but this week we have been linked to two new goalkeepers; Asmir Begovic and Simon Mignolet. Aged 26 and 25 respectively, the two stoppers have been linked with us this weekend following the continuing rumours surrounding Pepe Reina.

The Spaniard, who has just completed his sixth season with Liverpool, has long been linked with a move back the club where it all started for him this summer as a replacement for long standing number one Victor Valdes.

However, the Barcelona custodian has announced his intention to stay on until his contract expires next summer.

So who would we look to bring in? Begovic or Mignolet?

As a fully paid up member of the goalkeeper’s union I am pretty pleased with both of the links. If I could pick one replacement for Reina it would be Ter Stergen from Borussia Monchengladbach but he seemingly is not on the radar.

One immediate advantage of the two we’ve been linked with is that they are already acclimatised with the Premier League. One only needs to look at the example of David De Gea to see how the extra physical nature of the Premier League can screw up even the most talented and confident of goalkeepers. However, Mignolet and Begovic are already used to the hustle and bustle of a Premier League corner. Begovic in particular will have seen such tactics employed by his own team on a very regular basis!
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Of the two, I personally think Begovic is the better goalkeeper. He makes mistakes, as all keepers do, but is usually rock solid. I think Mignolet is very talented and is probably a better shot stopper. But I feel that he has concentration issues, he is prone to needless and silly errors. He does though have the raw talent to become one of the best goalkeepers in the league.

Ultimately, they are both going to be playing behind a better defence than what they have been doing and will have less to do. Choosing between them would be tough and it would not be an easy task for Brendan Rodgers and his transfer committee. Neither represent significant value for money. Begovic in particular has been quoted in the press as £15m and Mignolet £12m.

Reina has this week cooled the Barcelona rumours (convenient timing!) and at a guess I’d say that he’s going to be going nowhere right now. To be honest, that would be the best option we could make. To retain Reina.

His form has improved and his distribution is generally excellent. I think he needs some back up to keep him sharp, but ultimately, can we bring in a better goalkeeper than Reina?

I’d argue that not right now, no. So let’s hope Reina’s reign continues and at the moment that looks like it’s going to happen. It’s one less part of the spine of the team that we need to replace, and that would have been a pressing concern but one that looks like it’s about to subside for now.
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I'm a fully trained journalist who shunned a career in the profession due to my disillusionment with the tabloid press, instead hoping to become a professional author. I've written for The Liverpool Way for 7 years and am a regular on the forum using the name Agt Provocateur.

A passionate member of supporter group Kop Faithful, I've been a season ticket holder of 8 years and a regular match goer since 1995.

When not criticising diminishing refereeing standards in football, I can be found at Langtree Park, the home of St Helens Rugby League Club being highly critical of non existent standards of refereeing in Rugby League. I'm is also a massive Lancashire and England cricket fan.

12 comments

  • Erin says:

    Fact, 8 seasons for us. i think he arrived in 2005. Keeping Reina should be a priority. Class keeper and a leader at the back. If anything we need to retain our defensive line up and focus on mf, and Suarez saga. If we sell keeper/defenders/striker we won’t make progress next season.

  • stevieG says:

    I think he will go. An offer will come and he will go to barca. He would be another huge loss

  • Brigadier says:

    Truth is players like Reina are just too comfy at LFC, just picking up their money every year and going through the motions. Rodgers is too much of a pussy to rip into these players, Rodgers is like that kid who cant believe hes on a date with the prettiest girl but clearly cannot maintain that situation so hes just enjoying it while it lasts.

  • red says:

    I do not know why people always harping on Reina poor performance, etc. In fact, he is one of few better players currently on LFC. Definitely a class above average player.

    Please do your best in keeping this keeper.

  • Mark Cowell says:

    just needs competitotion… alex macarthy for right price possibly ?

  • Denis D says:

    If Reina is not sold, B Rodgers needs to bring in either S Mignolet(25) Of Sunderland or A Mccarthy(23) Of Reading for £4-£8M to compete with Reina and keep him on his toes and to stop the incomplacency creeping in.

    But if Barcelona badly want Reina and he decides that he wants to go, he should be brought to club in swap deal with C Tello(21) and £2M .

    And then S Mignolet(25) Of Sunderland and A Mccarthy(23) Of Reading should both be brought to club for £12-£14M (Combined total) In order for them to compete with one another for the N0 1 position at club.

    • Mackem says:

      Mignolet is top dog at SAFC. What part of your head has convinced you he’d go the the bin dippers to warm the Bench in a world cup year – or is this the famous scouse sense of humour ?

  • Mackem says:

    Another thing…….if Saurez goes, Lpool to be mid table. Sunderland could be that with (ahem !) 6 or 7 new signings – it’s happening – so no incentive for Mig to join you. You’re not a top club going into next season.

    • Brigadier says:

      You cant talk, your fascist fruitcake manager Di Canio just got ripped apart by Titis Bramble. Enjoy a relegation battle next season – this time you’ll go down.

  • CHUKWUEMEKA says:

    HONESTLY MY BEST KEEPER IN THE LEAGUE JUST LACKS COMPETITION AND LIKE MOST OF THE PLAYERS, DOESNT BELIEVE IN THE COACH.

Comments are closed.