17th August 2013. Liverpool 1-0 Stoke City, it's the 89th minute and Simon Mignolet has just beaten away John Walters' penalty to give Liverpool their first opening day win at Anfield since 2001. Kolo Toure embraces the Belgian, whilst chants of admiration for the new 'keeper reverberate around Liverpool. After years of Pepe Reina sliding into mediocrity it was time for change and the signing from Sunderland brought that. Problem solved? Not quite...
18 months and numerous mistakes later and most would argue there is a bigger goalkeeping problem than when Mignolet arrived. Brad Jones, a sporadic choice under Roy Hodgson, Kenny Daglish and now Brendan Rodgers, has been called into the firing line after a series of costly errors from Mignolet this season. The Australian has also dissapointed, performing poorly before a thigh injury brought Mignolet back into the firing line.
The Belgian, reknowned for being an excellent shot stopper, has struggled to adapt to a key part of his manager philosophy. Distribution. Very often has been the case where Mignolet fails to reach the half way line with a clearance, often punting the ball out of play under pressure. This causes friction amongst Mignolet and his defence, who are instructed to use their 'keeper as an outlet however have no confidence in his abilities when recieving the ball.
Another issue for Mignolet is his lack off presence. Last season he complained of being the number 2 choice for Belgium below Thibaut Courtois. However the Chelsea players commanding of his area in the Premier League this season is completely contrasting to Mignolets. Everytime Liverpool concede a corner their fans get shaky, knowing the chances of Mignolet claiming the ball are slim.
Mignolet can claim that under performing defenders in front of him such as Dejan Lovren, Glen Johnson and Martin Skrtel haven't helped his cause during his time at Anfield. This is a fair statement, however the individual errors can't be overlooked. The dropped catch at Ludogorets, the spurning of the ball v West Ham both almost cost Liverpool. More recent events such as the point blank pass to Esteban Cambiasso v Leicester, aswell as the failing to notice the ball rolling out of play against Burnley when attempting to clear haven't been forgotten.
However, what can Liverpool do to rectify the situation. Let's take a look.
Staff changes -
John Achterberg was appointed Liverpool's head goalkeeping coach in the summer of 2011, the Dutchman made over 250 appearances for Tranmere Rovers before coaching their goalkeepers. He made the trip across the Mersey in 2009 and has remained since. With respect to Tranmere, they don't provie experience on the largest stage and there is something to be said for the decline in goalkeeping quality at Liverpool since Achterberg's arrival. A possible replacement for Achterberg may be Chris Woods, currently of the United States national team coaching staff. Woods has been widely acclaimed to have helped improve the attributes of Tim Howard and David De Gea, the latter now arguably being the best goalkeeper in the league. Woods lives locally to Liverpool and may want a challenge to partner his national duties. However, a change in coaching staff may not be the way Rodgers wants do things as he is very trusting in his staff members. The other issue is that a new staff member may not be able to solve the key attributes that Mignolet and Jones don't have.
Look to the league -
Going for another tried and tested Premier League goalkeeper may not be every fans cup of tea, however it does offer a sense of stability. Asmir Begovic is the name touted around to replace Mignolet, with the Stoke goalkeeper rumoured to be wanting bigger and better things after years of good service to the Potters. Begovic may lack the cat like reflexes of Mignolet however has a reputation for organising his defence well and commanding his box with his 6'6 frame. He wouldn't have to move far therefore would settle in fairly easily, and you imagine his agent wouldn't have trouble with pushing for the move. On the other hand, Begovic would be expensive due to having the 'Premier League proven' tag on him whilst also not being known for confidence with the ball at his feet.
Go abroad -
Liverpool got a steal when Rafa Benitez brought Pepe Reina over in 2005, the Spaniard quickly turning into one of the world's finest goalkeepers. However, for every bargain there is a failure *ahem* Charles Itanje. Despite these it would be naive for Brendan Rodgers to not look overseas if he decides to search for a new goalkeeper. The agent of goalkeeper Mattia Perin has talked up the prospects of a move in recent weeks. The Genoa goalkeeper has impressed this season, earning his first Italy cap last month. Standing tall at 6'2 the 22 year old wouldn't have trouble in claiming the ball from height. He also has a reputatio for being an excellent passer, calm and reassuring with the ball at feet. More reason for Liverpool fans to be excited is the comparison to Italian legend Gianluigi Buffon, one of the best goalkeepers in history. On the other hand, fans would have to be patient with Perin due to his age. The Italian would have alot to learn and with Liverpool needing a quick fix another 'potential' signing may not be the answer right now.
Show some confidence -
Confidence for any footballer is key, nontheless for goalkeepers. We've often seen stories of goalkeepers needing saves to get back into form as much as strikers needs goals. They also need some reassurance from their manager, to know that they're the main man. Simon Mignolet hasn't had this, when Brad Jones came in for the game against Manchester United Rodgers could have told the press he just wanted to 'take Mignolet out of the firing line' however expressed his dissatisfaction at the goalkeepers performances, proclaiming he was 'dropped indefinately'. After Mignolet came on against Burnley, Rodgers offered comments that 'He came on against Burnley and had a couple of edgy moments, and he will recognise that. He will have a wee bit of flak, but at this level you have to be able to operateunder that.' Despite Mignolet's obvious flaws, good deals are scarce in the January transfer window and a vote of confidence for the keeper might just give him the boost he needs to improve.
Brendan Rodgers has to take note of the options available to him as this can't go on. Liverpool could make huge strides in their bid to get back into the top four with a simple tweak to the goalkeeping position. The great Peter Shilton once said "As a goalkeeper you need to be good at organising the people in front of you and motivating them. You need to see what's going on and react to the threats. Just like a good manager in business." Hear that, 'a good manager in business.' So if you can't find a decent goalkeeper, stick John W Henry between the sticks.