Simon Mignolet’s heroics between the sticks were a big part of Liverpool’s success on Saturday…
Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has drawn praise from both Jordan Henderson and Rickie Lambert, who both credited the Belgian for the important role he played in yesterday’s 2-0 win over Aston Villa.
SEE MORE:
LFC news
Five things we learned from 2-0 win over Aston Villa, including analysis on defence & new signings
Liverpool player ratings v Aston Villa – Sakho & Can shine as Reds earn 2-0 victory
Mignolet was dropped ‘indefinitely’ by manager Brendan Rodgers in December, but was quickly brought back into the side following an injury to Brad Jones.
While his lack of confidence was evident upon his immediate return, the 26-year-old was finally back to somewhere near his best yesterday, as he presided over the Reds’ seventh clean sheet of the season.
Speaking to the Liverpool website after the game, Henderson said: “Simon Mignolet was outstanding for the whole game, dealing with crosses coming into the box, he was very dominant.
“Simon is a great lad and a great professional, who works really hard. I think he’s dealt with everything fantastically well. That was the same last week. He put in a great performance and he did that again today, which was not only great for the team, but also for him personally.”
“We didn’t manage to get the second early in the game, which I think we deserved. Then there were a few shaky moments, but full credit has to go to the ‘keeper today, Simon Mignolet. I thought he was superb.”
Rickie Lambert, who scored the second of Liverpool’s goals, was also impressed with Mignolet, whose brave block to deny Christian Benteke at 1-0 was a clear turning point in the game.
The striker said: “I think our attacking performance is getting better, but as we didn’t manage to get the second [early on], when called upon, our defence, especially the ‘keeper, was there for us.
“Simon put his face on the line with Benteke’s chance, which was an absolutely superb save. His face is okay now, but I think he’d take them all day, as long as he keeps the ball out of the net!”
The entire Liverpool team will now be hoping that Mignolet can push on in the second-half of the season, with only youngster Danny Ward currently available as back-up.