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Simon Mignolet celebrates the second goal during the Barclays Premier League match between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has defended goalkeeper Simon Mignolet after the Belgian has continued to receive criticism for his performances for the Reds throughout the season, report The Sport Review.
The 26-year-old joined the Merseyside outfit for £9 million from Premier League Sunderland last summer and has established himself as first choice, following the departure of Pepe Reina to Napoli on loan.
However, despite a promising start when he saved a penalty against Stoke City on his debut for the club, Mignolet has been singled out for harsh criticism on several occasions, most notably from club legend Bruce Grobbelaar.
Considering it is his first season at the club with a less than sturdy or settled back four in front of him, Mignolet has coped well at Anfield, with Rodgers adamant that the signing has been a success.
“I’ve been delighted with Simon since he has come in. I think he’s an outstanding goalkeeper who is only going to get better and better.
“He has come into a huge club and replaced a legendary figure at the club in Pepe Reina. That was always going to take a bit of time,” Rodgers declared.
“But over the course of the season he has made a big contribution. I don’t forget the significance of some of the saves he has made.
“Simon hasn’t ever cost us a game but he has certainly gained us points. He’s an excellent goalkeeper.
“His form has been very good and he has consistently made really crucial saves for us,” he insisted.
Although the Reds have conceded 46 goals this season, they are still in the hunt for their maiden Premier League title and Mignolet is far more likely to be exposed than other teams’ goalkeepers due to the attacking brand of football employed by Rodgers.
