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Liverpool considered Reina and Heaton

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OPINION

The standout performances of Liverpool keeper Alisson Becker has led to limited opportunities for Simon Mignolet in the past year.

Alisson has enjoyed the almost perfect year in between the sticks for both club and country, winning the Golden Glove award in the Premier League, Champions League, and Copa America.

The excellence of the Brazilian has forced Mignolet further down the pecking order and meant that he only managed to make two appearances last season, both in the domestic cup competitions.

Having a solid back-up stopper that appreciates his role and offers great professionalism is key for both squad depth and harmony, and Mignolet has been the ultimate professional.

So much so that Jurgen Klopp has confirmed that he expects the 31-year-old to remain at the club next year. Speaking to the Mirror, the German said: “We spoke before we left (for summer break). I would say, yes (he will stay).”

The Telegraph reinforced that point but did report that the Reds had looked at both Tom Heaton and Pepe Reina as potential replacements for the Belgian international.

Comparing the three keepers in their recent seasons via WhoScored, Mignolet isn’t exactly outperformed by the two potential back-ups and suits Klopp’s style more.

Mignolet might just get outscored by one of the pair in terms of average passes and pass success rate, but his tendency to play fewer long balls suits Liverpool to a tee. This means that the Reds’ stopper prefers to recycle possession to his defenders who can rebuild from the back and launch continuous attacks, something that is vital under Klopp.

With Heaton and Reina classed as back-up options, Klopp must surely favour a move to make sure Mignolet stays at the club, with the Belgian the best stopper available as a back up to Alisson.

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