Liverpool’s forgotten man Simon Mignolet was in action for Belgium.
Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet was in action for Belgium last night in a draw with the Netherlands.
Mignolet has only one appearance for the Reds in 2018/19, a loss to Chelsea in the Carabao Cup.
He has been reduced to only serving a back-up role to summer signing Alisson.
Prior to that he was a reserve to Loris Karius after losing his place in January.
It has been quite a fall from grace for the goalkeeper, who still seems upset at his situation.
Speaking after Belgium’s 1-1 draw, Mignolet told Nieuwsblad: “I now know why I train so hard every day.”
Mignolet added that he enjoyed getting back out onto the pitch again.
He said: “It was fun to play football again. I also did my job, it was not an easy match. The Netherlands also played well past matches. I think the 1-1 was a deserved result.”
Mignolet has been much maligned through his difficult last year and was criticised after Liverpool’s defeat to Chelsea.
He felt his night went well against Netherlands, adding: “I have done what is expected of me and have taken my chance. I am glad that after a long time I was not in the goal and that I have done well to the end.”
Mignolet’s backing from Belgium boss Roberto Martinez is clearly greatly appreciated by the player, and it keeps him upbeat.
As with the role of a back-up goalkeeper, they never know when they will be needed, and if Mignolet is pressed into action, he will be better for last night’s match.
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