Aldo: Mignolet is best shot-stopper since Clemence

There was organisation, discipline, incredible work ethic and togetherness in the Reds’ display. Not much by way of creativity, granted, but a draw away at Spurs goes down as a point gained, in anyone’s book.

Jürgen Klopp had plenty of things go against him in the lead up to the game. He had injuries to contend with, he had players coming back off international duty and not much time to get his ideas and methods across on the training field.

But you could see, quite clearly, some of his influence coming through in his first game in charge, And I thought two players summed that up better than anyone.

Cards on the table here, I’m a Simon Mignolet fan. I think he gets a lot of unfair criticism at times, and I think he’s a quality goalkeeper.

In fact, I think he’s the best shot-stopper Liverpool have had since Ray Clemence.

That might raise a few eyebrows, particularly since I played with Bruce Grobbelaar. Now I’m not saying Mignolet is a better all-round keeper than Brucey, who was brilliant at coming for crosses and with his feet, but for me the Belgian is a better shot-stopper.

And let’s be fair, stopping shots is the biggest part of a goalkeeper’s job.

His saves secured us that point against Tottenham, just as they had in the previous game against Everton. That’s two big games where the lad has been our best player, and made brilliant saves.

Yes, he can have one or two difficult moments with the ball at his feet, but when it comes to making saves, he’s top drawer. I hope people give him a bit of credit for the way he’s playing.

I think he’ll benefit from Klopp’s presence. He might just simplify his game and give him a bit more confidence, and if he does that then we’ll have no problems with him.

The other player I would mention would be Adam Lallana. For me, he had his best away game in a Liverpool shirt at White Hart Lane.

His work rate was absolutely phenomenal. No wonder he looked knackered at the end! He covered every blade of grass, and did everything he could to try and make something happen.

As a footballer, he’s someone who you imagine will suit Klopp, and if he works as hard as he did on Saturday then he’ll be in the team more often than not.

I thought his performance was very encouraging, as was the sight of the manager showing his appreciation, both when he came off and at the end of the game.

Source: Liverpool Echo

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