Liverpool

Brendan Rodgers: 'Simon Mignolet reaping rewards of spell on sidelines'

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 30 January 2015

Brendan Rodgers insists that Simon Mignolet is close to returning to his best form, having spent a short spell of time on the sidelines.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers believes that Simon Mignolet has benefited from his recent spell out of the side, claiming that he "looks like a different goalkeeper".

The Belgian international was taken out of the Reds' starting lineup for the trip to face Manchester United last month, ending a run of 93 consecutive starts in the top flight.

However, injury to replacement stopper Brad Jones has gifted Mignolet a lifeline between the sticks, and Rodgers insists that his first-choice keeper has made the most of a short spell on the sidelines.

"I think Simon has shown the benefits of having a little bit of time out," he told reporters. "I think he looks like a different goalkeeper. It's difficult because when you're playing all the time and you're preparing, sometimes you won't get that chance to reflect on your performance.

"Of course, nowadays, if you take a player out, whether it's through rest or through trying to look after the player and allowing him to develop, [people will say] he's been 'dropped'. And that's not always the case.

"Simon's spell out of the team was to just take a step back, to analyse his performance, to see areas in which he could improve and clear his mind, knowing that he was going to get the opportunity to go again."

Liverpool, who return to Premier League action this weekend when they take on West Ham United, are currently eighth in the league table.