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Simon Mignolet’s run lackluster performances in recent games has been one of the key factors behind Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League exit and an increasingly alarming Premier League slump. The 26-year-old has reportedly been dropped by Brendan Rodgers for an ‘indefinite’ period, allowing the veteran Brad Jones to take over the keeper’s gloves for the Anfield outfit.
Honestly speaking, the amount of Liverpool fans out there that would rely on seeing Brad Jones in goal for Liverpool on the long-run does not outnumber the ones who wouldn’t. Thus, the question – how long will it take Simon Mignolet to rediscover his form? And if he doesn’t do so anytime soon, the arrival of a new face come January or at the end of the season is inevitable.
Here, we have a look at the possible replacements for Mignolet Liverpool can opt to bring in on a cheap transfer.
1. Guillermo Ochoa
The Mexican shot-stopper that sent shock waves to all ends of the globe following his remarkable displays for his national team in the 2014 FIFA World Cup. His save to deny Neymar’s header from busting the net drew comparisons to Gordon Banks’ famed 1970 save that stopped the iconic Pele from scoring. He went on to keep a memorable clean sheet that ensured a goalless draw against the Brazilians, before earning a deserving Man of the Match award at the end of the game.
Good news for Liverpool fans, the club has reportedly sealed a £3 million deal for the keeper that is currently struggling for Spanish outfit Malaga. But even with an erratic 30-year-old Carlos Kameni being good enough to keep Ochoa on the Malaga bench for the entire campaign thus far, the Mexican goalkeeper might have lost some of the spark he could skate about in the World Cup.
2. Timo Horn
Having been linked with a switch to Anfield earlier this month, Timo Horn is certainly no stranger to the Liverpool fans. Standing at a commanding height of 6ft 4′, Horn kick-started this season with some fashion by keeping four clean sheets in a row, an achievement that has not been matched by any other Bundesliga goalkeeper (you got it, not even by the prominent figure of Manuel Neuer).
Despite only valued at a mere £4 million, the 21-year-old goalkeeper has already been drawn comparisons to Germany’s well-known stopper Oliver Kahn. And yes, wrapping up his signature in January would be a very good steal for any club.
3. Anthony Lopes
Lyon’s first-choice goalkeeper and has already notched up an impressive amount of 6 clean sheets in 18 games this season. Albeit Lopes is still yet to feature in the international stage for Portugal in his career, his diving and reflex abilities has shown that the lad possesses all the ingredients to be a top class goalkeeper.
The 24-year-old’s jaw-dropping performance in Lyon’s 1-0 win over Marseille earlier this season has earned countless praises from many French pundits and if he continues to perform in such consistency, a debut for the senior national team is just waiting to happen. Not to mention what an absolute bargain Anthony Lopes would be, with his current market value being as low as £5 million.
A video of the string of saves from Anthony Lopes is available below!
