Simon Mignolet
A surprise choice to many, I am sure. However the Belgian has been under increasing pressure this season following a far from convincing first season at Anfield. It’s clear to see that his confidence has taken a severe kicking and if he can’t handle the scrutiny, then it will only increase. He possibly needs to be taken out of the limelight somewhat by moving abroad or to a lesser team in the Premier League. This may not be a decision the player will take himself because you don’t just give up the once in a lifetime opportunity to play for a club as prestigious as Liverpool. So Brendan Rodgers may have to take the decision for him.
He started well enough down on Mersey side but gradually Mignolet has become a liability in the Liverpool defence and his confidence has become brittle. Strong criticism from former legend, Bruce Grobbelaar and a host of on lookers, has only made things worse. Rodgers has taken his struggling keeper out of the media spotlight on a few occasions, dropping him for a handful of games, including their trip to Old Trafford.
Assessments have been made and judgements passed, so it will be difficult for a man struggling for confidence to rediscover his Sunderland form, which made him a Liverpool target in the first place. Moving on to pastures new may give him the relief of a new start and help him rediscover some much needed form. With less attention on how he plays, the young keeper may thrive a little more. A move could help his form, confidence, reputation and eventual goalkeeping ability. He may not like to hear it but leaving Anfield could be the right thing to for the sake of his career ultimately.