There has been an enormous improvement in Mignolet since the turn of the year
It’s been a long, bi-polar season for Simon Mignolet, in many ways. He couldn’t have begun worse, with incident after incident, flapped cross after mis-timed dive, which all culminated in him being unceremoniously dropped in December for understudy Brad Jones.
While Jones failed to really earn his place, Mignolet was soon enough straight back in the side following an injury to the Aussie ‘keeper and the Belgian international hasn’t looked back since.
Slowly but surely, Mignolet regained his confidence, putting in nervy, then solid, often spectacular displays and now Liverpool look like they may finally have found the top ‘keeper they thought they’d signed from Sunderland in 2013.
It all seemed to have paid off for Mignolet at the weekend though, as he was named Liverpool’s player of the year at the Liverpool Former Players Association.
Speaking to Liverpoolfc.com about his award, the goalkeeper said: “Sometimes it can be a lonely place being a ‘keeper but at this club there are always a lot of people supporting you.
“The coaching staff and my teammates have always been behind me and that makes it a lot easier.
“I want to thank the supporters for always being behind me. I will keep their support in my head going forward.
“I’d like to thank the committee of legends for voting for me. No one would have thought this earlier in the season and neither would I.
“What I’ve learned this season going forward is that when you get criticism and praise you need to deal with it the same way.
“The only thing you can do is keep your head down, work hard and show on the pitch what you can do.”
While many may have disagreed with Mignolet’s award, it’s hard to argue that he has been one of the Reds’ top men since the turn of the year, but whether his upturn in form deserves this award will be open to question.
Do you agree that Mignolet should’ve been award the Former Players Association player of the year, or were there more worthy winners amongst Liverpool squad? Let us know your thoughts on the award below.
Totally worthy.
we conceded less goals than last year.
he made more saves.
we had more clean sheets.
he has the same name as me 😉