Clemence: Mignolet form is no surprise

Since his return to the team as a substitute on Boxing Day at Burnley, the Belgium international has kept eight clean sheets in all competitions, providing the basis for a Reds' backline that has kept five successive shut-outs in the top-flight away from home for the first time since 1985.

Prior to entering the action during the first half of that game at Turf Moor, Mignolet had been named on the bench for four consecutive matches - and Clemence feels he deserves ample praise for re-establishing himself in the line-up.

Speaking to the Liverpool Echo, he said: "Simon deserves great credit for how he has turned things around.

"He's making vital saves and helping his team win matches.

"It just shows what a difference confidence makes. He had a tough time earlier in the season.

"After being left out he had the bonus of coming back into the team earlier than he would have expected after Brad Jones got injured. Since returning to the team he has got better and better.

"He hasn't surprised me because I knew he had it in him. He had an exceptional season for Sunderland before Liverpool bought him.

"Earlier this season he endured a spell where things weren't going right for him but he went away and worked on a few things. There are still a few areas I'm sure he'd like to improve on further but he's having an excellent time of it and long may it continue."

Clemence added: "I don't think Simon's character was ever in doubt.

"I remember reading an interview with him a couple of months ago when people were asking serious questions about him. He was asked if he felt he had to prove himself and his response was 'I've got nothing to prove'. He's shown great character to come back the way he has.

"The problem these days is too many people make snap judgements. Have a few bad games and everyone says you're rubbish, play well for a short period and they talk about you cementing your place for years to come.

"At a club like Liverpool you are always playing for your place and you need to show consistency."

Ahead of Mignolet, Liverpool have also deployed a revised defensive system, with Brendan Rodgers opting to utilise a three-man central defence in recent weeks.

Another key facet in the Reds' recent defensive resurgence, believes Clemence.

He said: "The communication and understanding there between the back three and the keeper looks better.

"Everyone feels more confident. Defenders believe that if they do make a slip now, the keeper will probably save it."

Watching Liverpool from afar, Clemence admits he is delighted at how Rodgers has transformed Liverpool's fortunes for the better as they fight for a Champions League spot and silverware.

He said: "It's a results based business and before Christmas results weren't going right for Brendan. But I admire the way he didn't panic, he stuck to his guns and the principles of how he wants his team to play.

"He made the adjustment to playing three at the back and the more they played it the better they became. He's found the best way for Liverpool to play with the players they've got.

"Having Daniel Sturridge back fit makes a big difference to the attacking threat and they're looking more solid at the back. There's also the bonus of Jordon Ibe's emergence. The youngster has done fantastically well since the manager brought him back from his loan spell at Derby.

"In terms of the top four, it looks like Arsenal, Manchester United, Southampton, Liverpool and Tottenham battling it out for third and fourth. It's all about who can put a run together towards the end of the season. Liverpool have got momentum on their side.

"They've got some tough games coming up with Manchester City next Sunday. They're heading in the right direction but have to keep it going.

"Liverpool need Simon to be playing like this from now until May. If he does that then will have a great chance of finishing in the top four and winning a trophy."