OPINION
Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet was not a happy man last summer.
The Belgium international had spent the 2017/18 season vying for, and then losing, the number one spot to Loris Karius before the club spent a then-record £65million on Alisson to become their new first-choice.
Not only that, the Reds then denied the experienced stopper a loan move away, instead allowing Karius to join Besiktas on a season-long deal.
The 30-year-old made his feelings clear in an interview with HLN, saying: “I find it strange that Karius was loaned out, while I also had options for a loan. But for some reason that wasn’t possible. A keeper who was made first choice ahead of me last year gets to leave on loan. Strange.”
Everything was set up for Mignolet and Liverpool to endure a turbulent season together, but the goalkeeper deserves a lot of credit for the way he has applied himself since then.
By all accounts the 30-year-old has been a model professional in training, showing commitment to the cause and accepting his position as number two.
That has now all been laid bare in an interview with the Liverpool Echo, with Mignolet saying: “Yeah, I can accept it easier now, It’s also the fact that the team is playing so well. Ali has been so important for the team.
“He’s playing as the No.1 for Brazil in front of Manchester City’s goalkeeper – that says enough, really. I can accept that slightly better.”
Aside from being able to accept his situation much easier, Mignolet has also shed light on the relationship that he enjoys with his teammate and competition.
“Ali and I work well together. We have a very good relationship. I’ve picked up a few things from him and he’s picked up a few things from me,” he said.
It is clear that Mignolet is much calmer about his current situation at Anfield, and while the stopper will obviously be keen to find first-team football soon, this stark turnaround is something he deserves massive credit for.
Mignolet could have lowered his intensity in training, or tried to force a move away this month, but none of that has happened after his change of heart.
As mentioned, the Belgian will likely move on to pastures new this summer, but Liverpool fans should give him the plaudits he deserves for his tenure at the club.
