Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed goalkeeper Simon Mignolet for his performance in Saturday’s victory over Stoke City.
Indeed, Klopp believes that the save to thwart Saido Berahino late on was one of the best stops he has ever seen.
The Reds came from behind to beat Stoke 2-1, with substitutes Philippe Coutinho and Roberto Firmino on the score-sheet, but Klopp felt that the contribution of Mignolet, who endured a considerable amount of criticism earlier in the campaign, was just as significant.
As reported by the club’s official website, Klopp said: “We had to fight. And we needed Simon Mignolet with two outstanding saves – the second one was one of the best I’ve ever seen, Save of the Day, Month, Year.
“It was outstanding, well deserved for him because he has got a lot of criticism in his Liverpool career. I am [delighted for Mignolet], absolutely. It’s what you wish for.
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“It was a big chance from [Marko] Arnautovic, when he could run in behind and immediately with his pass, the fantastic sliding of [Berahino], and then this reaction, that’s what you need to be successful, your goalkeeper to make saves like this.
“You can’t expect it each week, but when he is doing it, then it’s like scoring a goal.”
Liverpool’s win means that they remain in third place in the Premier League, although Klopp will be fully aware that his side can’t afford to drop many points if they are to secure a top-four finish.
Mignolet lost his place to Loris Karius earlier in the season but is now firmly re-established as Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper and has made an average of 1.64 saves per game in the Premier League this campaign.
