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Make or Break for Mignolet

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Big things are expected of the Belgian this year and he has to deliver

Big things are expected of the Belgian this year and he has to deliver

As Pepe Reina’s replacement, Simon Mignolet’s transfer in 2013 from Sunderland to Liverpool received a mixed reaction from Liverpool supporters. The Belgian international had big boots to fill, and not all were pleased with Brendan Rodgers’ choice to replace the beloved Spanish goalkeeper.

Regarding Mignolet’s future at the club, that feeling still remains because of his performances over the last two seasons.

Being in goal always carries the greatest pressure, as normally any mistake leads to a goal. Mignolet had impressed with Sunderland, but with the greatest respect to the north-east club, being between the sticks for Liverpool Football Club is in an entirely different league.

With the expectations at Anfield, one mistake from Mignolet could cost the Reds a top four place, or a trophy.

Or even the league title.

Mignolet’s Liverpool career thus far has been inconsistent. From highs such as the last minute penalty save on his debut against Stoke, to lows including the 2-1 defeat to Manchester City in December 2013.

Personally, looking back I believe that result carried greater weight towards the outcome of the title than Steven Gerrard’s slip against Chelsea.

Yes we were in a better position when Jose Mourinho’s men came to Anfield and spoilt the title party with a 2-0 win, but Liverpool were poor in that game and panicked, while Gerrard’s mistake could have happened to anyone at any time – sadly it happened at that moment. However, Liverpool had plenty of time to compose themselves and score the one goal they needed to stay in command of the title race.

In terms of one mistake defining Liverpool’s 2013/14 season, the offside flag against Raheem Sterling at the Etihad was criminal. Referees and linesman are only human; they make mistakes. But this one was such a whopper that it’s hard to excuse.

Mignolet played his part here too though – his flapping of Alvaro Negredo’s shot meant Manuel Pellegrini’s side won a match where Liverpool were the better team and in the end was a six point swing for the eventual champions.

Going into this campaign, it seems unlikely that Liverpool will embark on another crazy title challenge, but for a more modest goal of a top four finish and Champions League football. Yet with the spending power and squads of the teams above the Reds, this remains a severely difficult task.

With seven new signings this summer (eight if a left-back joins), Rodgers has already done enough surgery in the transfer market. To perform any more would be too much for this season; consequently the goalkeeper and centre-backs will remain the same, with the exception of back-ups in Adam Bogdan, Tiago Ilori and Joe Gomez.

If Mignolet wants to remain goalkeeper of Liverpool Football Club, he needs to become far more consistent for 2015/16.

Up until January, last season was a complete nightmare for the 27 year old, and he was even replaced by Brad Jones. Fortunately for him, Jones was injured soon after and Mignolet regained his place, but more crucially, his form.

With three at the back, he had more protection in front and became more confident, with brilliant performances such as against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the League Cup.

However, after the loss to Manchester United, Liverpool and Mignolet went downhill again, and it’s vital for Rodgers, the club’s fortunes this season and Mignolet that Liverpool’s No.22 delivers regular 7/10 performances, instead of fluctuating from 9 to 4 and back again.

Liverpool’s tough start from the fixture list will provide Mignolet with an immediate chance to impress against elite opposition, as even if the defence improves this season as a back four (another requirement for a top four challenge), the likes of Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea will undoubtedly create chances.

Liverpool have been linked with a number of goalkeepers this summer, such as Petr Cech, Rui Patricio, Keylor Navas and Matthew Ryan. Next summer, there will be others ready and waiting to take Mignolet’s place should he fail to step up this season.

Yet, whilst I hope Bogdan does well at Anfield, he is unlikely to provide serious competition. Therefore, Mignolet will be given plenty of opportunities this year to prove he can be Pepe Reina’s true replacement. But his Anfield career has now surely entered the last chance saloon.

It’s a big season for many at Liverpool, and Simon Mignolet is certainly one of those that needs to perform, otherwise his future will lie elsewhere.

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3 comments

  • muhdkabir says:

    hope he will improve by god grace

  • gio says:

    seriously? one of the players of last season, and the most improved player of LFC of last season ? are you nuts? Every player has to give a fight for his position every season, so where’s the news here?

  • David says:

    Mignolets mistakes last season and his distribution were inexcusable. In today’s game a goalkeeper who cannot distribute with his feet especially for a passing side is a liability . Mignolet will not be anything but a frustrating flop this season I just hope the back up is better this year

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