Liverpool FC goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has backed Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea to regain his focus to play for the Red Devils when they take on their fierce rivals on Saturday.
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Following the news of David De Gea’s new four-year deal at Manchester United, it is highly likely that the Spaniard will be in goal against arch-rivals Liverpool FC as Louis Van Gaal’s men prepare to welcome them on Saturday evening.
This puts behind the transfer saga that engulfed the Spaniard, which has caused the Dutch manager to drop him from all the competitive games United have played so far.
Mignolet backs De Gea
Goalkeepers are always touted to be of a different breed in a game where everyone but them makes a career from the skills in their legs rather than their hands. Despite the two being from rival clubs, Mignolet has come to the support of his Spanish counterpart.
The Liverpool goalkeeper was quoted by the Guardian as saying: a It is always difficult to tell what is going on looking from the outside. The only thing I know is he is a very good goalkeeper who has proved himself to be very important for Manchester United over time. I think he has all the abilities to play again.
a The mental aspect of being a goalkeeper is very important so you have to go into the game with full concentration and confidence. That is a big part of your game and the Premier League is the most demanding league for any goalkeeper. When you are in a good frame of mind then the performance is going to be better. That is logical but I cannot say what is happening in his head. He played with Spain on Tuesday and he was ready then. He kept a clean sheet. But we have to look at ourselves and focus on our own jobs.a
Mignolet recalls De Gea show at Old Trafford in 2014-15
Manchester United beat Liverpool FC 3-0 on the day. But, if not for De Gea, the scoreline would have been much different as the keeper pulled off some stunning saves.
a He kept Manchester United in the game that day,a said Mignolet. a Sometimes you are the hero as a goalkeeper and sometimes you dona t have anything to do and the ball goes in the back of the net. He saved United some points that day. It will depend on how he is on Saturday and what kind of state he is in. Ita s for Manchester United to judge whether he is in a good frame of mind to play.a