Liverpool legend John Aldridge believes Simon Mignolet has been the club’s best and most consistent performer this year.
The Belgian goalkeeper received plenty of criticism at the start of the season, and his woeful performances coincided with Liverpool’s bad run of form where most players were not living up to expectations. Brendan Rodgers decided to take measures and dropped the player against the crucial match at Old Trafford, a 3-0 defeat. As things stand today, that defeat at the hands of Manchester United is the Reds’ only loss in the Premier League since. In addition, Liverpool only have one loss in sixteen matches- a second leg loss in extra time against Chelsea in the Capital One Cup semi final. Mignolet has done exceedingly well recently. He looks much better between the sticks, is composed and confident and has improved on things that needed remedying soon, like punching the ball and dealing with set pieces better. He has also become very vocal at the back and organizes the defence well, displaying impressive leadership skills. In conclusion, the former Sunderland keeper looks a shadow of the player he did in October and it looks as if Liverpool signed a brand new player to be their number one goalkeeper in the winter transfer window.
Club legend John Aldridge heaped praise on the 26 year old and said that Mignolet deserved praise for turning his season around.
“He had some dark days earlier in the season, but Simon Mignolet has been a shining light in the last month. In fact, I think hea s been Liverpoola s best, most consistent player since the turn of the year,”said the 56 year old.
“He was excellent against Palace, and deserves huge credit for turning around his season so spectacularly. Ia ve always been a fan of his, even when he was struggling. And ita s great to see him back to his best”.
Aldridge also praised Joe Allen for his display against Crystal Palace in the fifth round FA Cup clash. The Welshman hasn’t been a crowd favorite at the Merseyside club but Aldridge said that his performance against Palace was impressive.
“In addition, I thought Joe Allen had a very good second half at Selhurst Park. Hea s another who has had criticism, but that was the kind of performance Liverpool need from him”.