Liverpool's 27-year-old Belgian 'keeper Simon Mignolet has insisted that the club's form is more important than personal praise and awards; such as the Golden Glove he is currently competing for. He has recorded twelve clean sheets this season, meaning he is only second to Southampton's Fraser Forster in the clean sheet tally across the Premier League. Unfortunately though, the English 6foot 6inch stopper has been ruled out of action for the rest of the campaign, virtually gifting Mignolet the opportunity to win the award.
It's been a topsy-turvy few months for the former Sunderland man, who was dropped earlier on in the year for inconsistent displays before an injury to replacement 'keeper Brad Jones meant Rodgers had no choice but to slot him back into the firing line. His recent performance against Welsh club Swansea away from home was vital as Liverpool were forced to work hard and grind for all three points, in a 1-0 away victory before the international break.
When asked if he was happy with his current form: "Yes but I don't want to take any personal praise. Keeping clean sheets and getting victories is to do with the squad and I have said that since the beginning. I am there to win games and that is the most important thing; I am aware that it is the sixth consecutive time we have kept a clean sheet away from home, we have equalled a club record I think, so I am very pleased with that. But three points are more important than a clean sheet."
He also stated: "That is why you're a goalkeeper, you are there to do that [positively contribute]. As a team we had to show character and resilience to get through it, especially in the first-half. We had to change the formation a bit, but we have got a good squad who are willing to fight for each other. We are a bunch of good lads who will put in a shift and then work hard - sometimes it is even more satisfying to get the three points in that way. It is always tough to get three points away in the Premier League; not many teams win at Swansea, so we're very pleased."