Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has been discussing his new teammates this week, during the second leg of the Reds’ pre-season campaign in Australia.
The 27-year-old, who is entering his third season at Anfield, played the second-half of our opening game of the new campaign – against the Thai All-Stars – while new signing Adam Bogdan playing the first 45 minutes.
Bogdan, who has joined us from Bolton Wanderers, replaces Brad Jones as our number two stopper and Mignolet is looking forward to the chance of working with another talented player.
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“It’s been nice getting to know Adam and I’ve been working with him throughout the week,” said Mignolet, in quotes taken by the Liverpool Echo.
“We’re both part of the goalies’ union and I’ll try to help him to settle in. He said he’s here to compete to be No 1 and I see that as a positive thing. Having somebody there to compete and drive you on makes you stronger.
“We need competition throughout the squad and he will give us that. Competition is every position is important to push individuals to the highest level of their performance.”
Mignolet also had kind words for another new addition to the Reds squad – Divock Origi – who had to wait more than year to make his debut after spending the entirety of last season on loan at former club Lille.
Origi first shot to prominence at the World Cup in 2014, where he scored the winning goal in a group stage game against Russia, and Mignolet is pleased to have his compatriot back with him on Merseyside.
He told the Echo, “I’m not the only Belgian now for Liverpool and it’s nice to see a familiar face next to me in the dressing room. I’m sure he will do very well for this club. He has all the qualities required to succeed in the Premier League.
“He’s quick, he can go past a defender and he has a great goal threat. He’s always working hard and that’s important as a striker in a team who want to press high. I’m very pleased he’s here.”
Origi’s qualities are certainly clear to see. He powered in this header against the Thai All-Stars on debut…
Mignolet was also asked about another Belgian striker, Christian Beneteke, who has been regularly linked with a move to Liverpool this summer. However, he was not to be drawn on potential transfer targets.
“I don’t know what’s happening there. That’s not my stuff and I’m not thinking about it,” he said.
“All I know is that Christian is a very good player.”
Since this interview was given, Liverpool have agreed to pay Benteke’s £32.5m release-clause (via the Echo).