Mignolet: Skrtel gives us an edge
Simon Mignolet believes Martin Skrtel's attacking prowess at set-pieces has provided Liverpool with an extra dimension this season.
The centre-back has chipped in with six goals so far this term - the joint-highest total in history for a defender in the Barclays Premier League.
With half-a-dozen games still to go, there's every chance Skrtel could add to that tally, and Mignolet feels his offensive threat can give the Reds an edge in fixtures.
The goalkeeper told Liverpoolfc.com: "Martin has shown the whole season he is there; not only defending really well, but also scoring a few goals.
"It is always important as a central defender to get your head on a few set-pieces, and with the delivery we've got he is always a threat, which can give us the edge in some games."
Of course, it's not just in an offensive capacity that Skrtel has shone this season.
The 29-year-old has been in imperious form at the heart of Liverpool's defence all campaign long.
"Martin is so strong and if he goes and attacks the ball with his head, he clears it," added Mignolet.
"Also, one versus one against any striker, he is very strong and doesn't get in any bother. Playing out [from the back] as well.
"Martin is a very experienced defender who has played a lot of seasons and knows what his job is."
With six goals to his name, few could blame Skrtel if he'd enjoyed a little bit of dressing room banter over his attacking achievements.
So, has he been bragging?
"Not really," laughs Mignolet. "He's obviously pleased when he gets his goals and helps the team because that is the most important thing. When he scores and we get three points, I think he is very happy with that!"
Skrtel and Mignolet helped Liverpool keep three clean sheets in five March matches as they surged to the top of the Premier League table.
However, the Belgian custodian insists the shut-outs are to the credit of the entire team - and not any individuals.
He said: "It's not something personal. Of course, I am the goalkeeper and stand in front of the goal, but I think you keep a clean sheet together with the whole team.
"You practice that in training and work hard on it every session to get those things right. It's a credit to the whole team rather than any individual players."
Mignolet's latest clean sheet came in last Sunday's 4-0 win over Tottenham Hotspur.
[OTPA_WIDGET_CONTENT]
The goalkeeper was largely untested during the game, though he was required to make a smart stop from Christian Eriksen in the closing moments to preserve his shut-out.
How does Mignolet retain such high levels of concentration?
"It doesn't really make any difference if you're worked hard or if you only have to do two or three things in a game," he reflected. "For me, it's the same thing - you just try and do your best with the things you have to do.
"When you're called into action, you make sure you're ready for it. So if you have loads to do, or just two or three saves in the game, that's that - you have to do your own job and focus on the things you need to do when called upon."