What are the pros and cons of these potential Mignolet replacements?
Simon Mignolet has been ‘indefinitely’ dropped by Brendan Rodgers, and it’s quite feasible that he’ll be replaced in January following a torrid start to 2014/15.
These ten keepers have been consistently linked as potential replacements, but which of these would you prefer to come in for the out of form Belgian…?
We’ve listed them from 10-1 in terms of how good a signing (not how realistic a signing) they’d potentially be for us.
10) John Ruddy (Last linked in the Daily Star)
Club: Norwich
Age: 28
This link is pretty woefully uninspiring, in all honesty. Most Liverpool fans know Ruddy as the keeper Luis Suarez used to terrorise at will, while we’d be pretty much universal in out agreement that we shouldn’t be targeting Championship goalies.
Pros: None.
Cons: All of the above.
9) Sergio Romero (Last linked in the Mirror.)
Club: Sampdoria
Age: 27
The stopper is more known for his exploits for Argentina than he is at club level, and he’s actually only recently earned himself a consistent starting spot with the Italians, whom he joined from Monaco after similarly spending a season on the bench.
Pros: Excellent with the ball at his feet, and one of the best penalty savers in the business.
Cons: Inconsistent and erratic.
8) Neto (Last linked in the Daily Mail)
Club: Fiorentina
Age: 25
The Brazilian is performing excellently in Serie A, and has earned himself a call-up to the national squad as a result. His shot-stopping is strong, but he’s encouraged to kick the ball long for his club.
Pros: Would be available very cheaply, as his contract is up in in the summer.
Cons: Would struggle to start attacks from the back.
7) Francisco Guillermo Ochoa (Last linked in the Mirror)
Club: Malaga
Age: 29
Ochoa was jaw-droppingly good at the World Cup for the Mexicans, but this should perhaps be taken with a pinch of salt, considering he’s been unable to get into the Malaga side this term. His talent is huge, but he’s occasionally a liability, having been previously plagued with doping allegations. He actually started following Liverpool on Twitter minutes after Rodgers dropped Mignolet at the weekend, too!
Pros: Would be itching for a move as he isn’t playing, and would probably be an improvement on Mignolet.
Cons: Could struggle to settle in English football, and cause problems in the dressing room.
6) Timo Horn (Last linked in the Daily Mail)
Club: FC Cologne
Age: 21
Horn currently stars for FC Cologne in the Bundesliga, and is set to be the latest in a very long line of superb German stoppers. He does however struggle to deal with crosses delivered into the box… Something we’re all too familiar with.
Pros: Has the ability to develop into one of the best in the world, if he improves his catching.
Cons: A ‘potentially’ brilliant goalkeeper is arguably less important to us now than an already very good one. Also rumours that he’d prefer to stay with FC Cologne anyway.
5) Kike Casilla (Last linked in the Express)
Club: Espanyol
Age: 28
A consistently impressive la Liga stopper, Casilla is often a member of the Spain squad, although he’s only won a single cap to date. A former member of the Real Madrid youth sides, Casilla loves to rush off his line and act as a modern ‘sweeper-keeper’.
Pros: Entering his goalkeeping prime, Casilla combines decent shot-stopping with an excellent ability to claim crosses.
Cons: Poor distribution. Casilla has only completed 38% of his passes this season.
4) Mattia Perin (Last linked in the Metro)
Club: Genoa
Age: 22
Already an Italian international, many believe Perin will be take the mantle permanently when Gianluigi Buffon eventually retires. Rumours that we’ll make a bid between £12m and £15m are growing louder…
Pros: Prides himself on phenomenal shot-stopping, and is loud, confident and commanding between the sticks despite his age.
Cons: Would be a risk at the £15m mooted fee, and like the previously mentioned Horn, is perhaps slightly too young and inexperienced right now. Plus, Liverpool don’t have a tremendous records with Italians…
3) Iker Casillas (Last linked in the Mirror)
Club: Real Madrid
Age: 33
Casillas is first-choice at Real Madrid again, with summer signing Keylor Navas sitting on the bench. While his form for the past 18 months has been shoddy, he’s been solid recently, meaning Real’s chances of selling are small.
Pros: Experienced, and world renowned. His arrival would give everyone at the club a boost, purely in terms of how exciting it would be.
Cons: Casillas is past his best, and has already won everything there is to win in football. Why would he give his all to a developing cause having been there and done it already?
2) Asmir Begovic (Last linked in the Daily Mail)
Club: Stoke
Age: 27
The Bosnian is tall, agile and has been rated by many as one of the top keepers in the country for many a season. It’s surely time he made the step up from Stoke, having been with the Potters since 2010.
Pros: Commanding, brave, experienced and an excellent shot-stopper. At 27, he’s young enough to play in goal for us for the forseeable future.
Cons: Having a poor season compared to ones previous, and would cost the usual irritating Premier League premium.
1) Petr Cech (Last linked in the Daily Mail)
Club: Chelsea
Age: 32
A true Premier League legend and three time winner, Cech is second choice at Chelsea now due to the sensational Thibaut Courtois, and has been linked to Liverpool as a result. His pedigree is incredible, and he’s still in his goalkeeping prime.
Pros: Exactly what we need. Premier League proven, experienced, and totally and utterly reliable. A no-brainer if he proves to be available.
Cons: Jose Mourinho unlikely to consider strengthening a rival, even if Cech wanted a move – which could also be unlikely due to his allegiance to Chelsea supporters.
