Simon: How it has changed since 2013

The Belgian was brought to Anfield in June 2013 and immediately installed as Brendan Rodgers' first-choice goalkeeper, beginning his Reds career with a crucial penalty save against Stoke City.

His agility and shot-stopping skills were evident throughout a debut campaign that almost brought a Barclays Premier League title and did book a place in Europe's elite competition this season.

There was no resting on laurels in the summer for the 26-year-old either, as he travelled to South America with his country and provided cover for their progression to the World Cup quarter-finals.

So, now he is back at Melwood and the daily duties of competing in the Premier League are firmly in focus, how does the Mignolet of August 2014 compare to the man who signed 14 months ago?

"Now I know what it is to play for Liverpool," the 'keeper explained to Liverpoolfc.com at the Reds' training base recently. "Last year it was all new for me, I still had to make my competitive debut.

"Now, when I returned from the World Cup, I knew the environment, the people and the players - it feels a lot more natural this season. You come into an environment that you know, where you know what you are asked to do.

"The Champions League is something new for me and something to look forward to. Every game in the Premier League is similar to a game in the Champions League.

"Especially being from the continent, playing against big teams in Europe - maybe one from Belgium, you never know - is something to look forward to. The most important thing is to do well as a team in those games and the Premier League."

Mignolet did not enter the field during Belgium's journey to the last eight in Brazil this summer, instead deputising for compatriot and fellow custodian Thibaut Courtois.

But being part of a developing young team - tipped by many before the tournament to threaten the established contenders - was nothing but a positive experience, however.

"As a Belgian squad, it had been a long time since we got to a big tournament," reflected the man with 14 international appearances.

"We've got a young team as well so it was a big experience for every individual player - to learn and be together for a long period of time in a squad, to prepare for games, travel and train together.

"It can only be a good thing for the future of Belgium, heading into the European Championship qualifiers in September."

Having been granted a break once his World Cup journey had concluded, Mignolet soon joined up with his teammates on their pre-season tour of the United States.

Rodgers' charges took in innumerable experiences en route to the International Champions Cup final in Miami, leaving another lasting impression on the Reds' No.22.

He added: "Last year was my first experience in the Far East and it was mindblowing over there.

"If you go to America, the other side of the world, you see that the club is supported in the same manner. It is unbelievable and something you can only experience when you are there.

"It was a great experience to play in New York and the Yankee Stadium, and all of the other stadiums in America. It's nice to see how we are supported all over the world."