With his side's place in the League Cup final firmly secured, much of the plaudits should be placed on the shoulders of goalkeeper Simon Mignolet.

The Belgian recently signed a new long-term contract with Liverpool despite previously recieving much criticism from fans and former players.

The Reds stumbled past a persistent Stoke City and descended into ecstasy as their Wembley adventure moved into its final stage, but what role did the 27-year-old play and is it going to help him moving forward?

Penalty shoot-out heroics

Midfielder Joe Allen was the player that was front page news as his winning penalty saw Jürgen Klopp's scrape a victory in a tense penalty shoot-out but at the opposite end of the spectrum, Mignolet played a huge role in the events that shaped the semi-final.

The goalkeeper saved two penalties both of which were crucial to his side advancing, former Liverpool striker Peter Crouch was the first to suffer the misery of a missed penalty while Marco Muniesa missed the last penalty for the Potters that gave Welshman Allen the platform to seal the victory

Looking at the decisive save directly it was a fantastic and dramatic stop that highlights the agility of the 6ft 3ins stalwart, as the original effort was looking well-placed, but a long stretch down to his bottom left-hand corner from the No.22 swung the tie in the home side's favour.

Mignolet celebrates after putting Liverpool into the Capital One Cup final. (Picture: Getty Images)
Mignolet celebrates after putting Liverpool into the Capital One Cup final. (Picture: Getty Images)

Hopefully the bravado that Mignolet has shown will overshadow any doubts placed upon him as without his spectacular efforts the Reds could have potentially been suffering semi-final heartbreak 

Criticism

It is no secret that many fans and pundits alike were concerned over the ability of the Belgian as his timidness and decision-making has been a major talking point since his transfer from Sunderland in 2013.

Under Brendan Rodgers, the goalkeeper got off to the best possible start as he saved a late penalty against Stoke in the opening day of the 2013/14 Premier League season as Liverpool went so close to doing the unthinkable. 

However, his career at Anfield has rarely hit the same heights as that fateful August day with heavy criticism being directed firmly at the Belgian who many believe just is not good enough.

Former Reds shotstopper Bruce Grobbelaar has often openly discussed his lack of faith in the 27-year-old, lamenting his positioning and labelling him as "worse than Dracula."

The South-African was Liverpool No.1 throughout the 1980's and early 90's, cementing his place in the Anfield Hall of Fame, the European Cup winner was famous for his ability to control his back four but his clash with Steve McManaman in his latter years at the club are an example of his domination taken to the total extreme

Mignolet has since shaken off these comments and accepted blame for many of his past mistakes but as shown in last night's win, he is close to putting it all behind him and a League Cup win at Wembley would be euphoria to a player that is yet to win his first trophy in English Football.

Statistical view

Comparing Simon Mignolet to the top Premier League goalkeepers (image: Joel Lampkin)
Comparing Simon Mignolet to the top Premier League goalkeepers (image: Joel Lampkin)

Looking at the statistical table it seems rightly so that Mignolet warrants some criticism as comparing the former Sunderland Player of the Year to other goalkeepers does the Belgian no favours whatsoever. 

Despite these telling results, it is important to note how this moneyball analysis of football is irrelevant and only reveals a small portion of the goalkeeper's talents. 

What it fails to include is his leadership skills and his positioning which are improving game-by-game and will be one of the reasons Klopp has handed him a new contract. 

Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech looks like a certain for The team of the Season as he is breathing a breath of fresh air at the Emirates after being frozen out at Chelsea and  his£10 million move to the Gunners this summer has revamped the whole goalkeeping industry with the Czech Republic veteran heralded as a benchmark for all goalkeepers. 

Mignolet saves Marc Muniesa's penalty in the Reds' 6-5 shootout win. (Picture: Getty Images)
Mignolet saves Marc Muniesa's penalty in the Reds' 6-5 shootout win. (Picture: Getty Images)

With young starlet Danny Ward recently recalled from his loan at Scottish Premier League outfit Aberdeen it could symbolise how the German is looking to promote from within at the club as Adam Bogdan was providing no real competition for Mignolet as his two starts have both resulted in catastrophe. 

One spilling of the ball against Watford which ended up in a three-goal thrashing and a cringeworthy swipe at the ball as a corner kick flew into his own net against Exeter City which essentially secured the Hungarian's transfer out of Anfield once summer arrives. 

With world-class goalkeepers such as Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen constantly linked with a move to L4, the Belgian must consistently prove himself or risk playing back-up for the remainder of his long term deal.

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About the author
Joel Lampkin
Sports Journalist from Chester University, Professional wrestling writer. Contact [email protected]