The Liverpool goalkeeper needs to use his time out of the side as a positive.
Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet looks dejected after conceding a goal
Liverpool have been on the rise this season improving most facets of their game. However one area which continues to be a achilles heel is the position of goalkeeper. The much maligned Simon Mignolet managed to keep the number one shirt to start the season, despite having a average last couple of years.
This was primarily down to the fact that new goalkeeper Loris Karius was on the sidelines with a broken hand. Jurgen Klopp gave Mignolet the first five games of the season to prove his worth but with his flaws still evident and despite the side winning matches in impressive style, Klopp replaced the Belgian with Karius for the game against Hull. It has stayed that way ever since.
It is not the first time that Mignolet has been dropped from Liverpool’s starting 11 with former manager Brendon Rodgers replacing him with Brad Jones in December 2014. He found himself back in the starting lineup a few weeks later due to a injury for the Australian. Mignolet finds himself in the same position two years later, so here are three things he must do to reclaim his position as the first choice goalkeeper.
Stay Positive
Liverpool’s Loris Karius (L) and Simon Mignolet warm up before the match
Klopp is very big on team morale. The worst thing Mignolet could do is drop his head and mope around the Melwood training facility as it will not help his case for a recall or his teammates. Being dropped from a team is a true test of character, as it shows whether you are able to overcome adversity. Having been in this position once before, the 28 year-old should be confident in his ability to bounce back from this setback.
Fixing his flaws
Liverpool’s SImon Mignolet during training
Mignolet should use this opportunity to train with his goalkeeping coach as much as possible to try and fix his flaws. Despite being a senior footballer for over a decade, Mignolet still has a few glaring faults, most notably being unable to command his area when coming for crosses or aerial balls, as well as his overall distribution. His shot stopping abilities are his main strength, so he should use every possible moment trying to improve and see this setback as a career changing moment.
Be Prepared
Liverpool’s Simon Mignolet on the bench before the match
It would be easy for Mignolet to let his mind drift when he is watching games from the bench every week. However injuries can occur at any moment, so if the opportunity does arise to come on half way doing a match, Mignolet must be fully engaged in the contest. The last thing the team would want to see is a half prepared player coming onto the pitch.
If Mignolet comes back from this setback as a better goalkeeper, that will be a major plus for the club in general as well as for him personally.
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