It’s been three years since Simon Mignolet signed for Liverpool and the jury remains very much out on the Belgian.
While the ex-Sunderland man can often produce superb displays of shot stopping, his susceptibility to errors can see him become a blatant liability. It’s a difficult debate at Anfield.
However, it proves a problem that Jurgen Klopp is enthusiastic about addressing even if he hasn’t reached a full conclusion yet. As for the Reds’ next fixture, though, it won’t be Mignolet between the sticks.
There was little doubting that Brendan Rodgers was a loyal supporter of Mignolet during his time at Anfield. However, it’s been far more difficult to discern whether Klopp is of the same disposition.
This summer proved the first real opportunity for the German to strengthen his goalkeeping ranks if he felt it necessary. Given the chance, he did.
The Reds brought in the relatively unknown Loris Karius from Mainz 05 as competition for Mignolet. However, his chance to shine was postponed upon a hand injury picked up in pre-season.
Upon returning to fitness, though, the 23-year-old has been preferred by Klopp. Karius made his Premier League debut last weekend in the 5-1 romping of Hull City having made his bow in the League Cup versus Derby County.
Therefore, the question on Kopites’ lips is, who will start against Swansea? Well, Klopp appears to have provided the answer.
According to The Telegraph, the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss revealed that Karius would be given the nod in south Wales.
While three starts in a row for the German would perhaps indicate the long-awaited ousting of Mignolet, this may not be the case. Klopp has been keen to reiterate that he himself is still unsure about the better shot stopper.
In fact, it is believed that the 49-year-old will delay his decision until after the impending international break. Consequently, there could be a lot riding on how Karius performs at the Liberty Stadium.
As for Mignolet though, it’s apparent that Klopp has seen enough and the situation is now out of his hands. The Belgian can only hope that his prior mistakes won’t come back to bite.
Either way, though, it’s important that Klopp finally makes a decision on his preferred goalkeeper ahead of what could prove a potential title shot. What is for sure is that they won’t get their hands on silverware without a consistent number one.