Mignolet impressed by youngsters' character
The Academy prospects who featured in Liverpool's 2-0 victory over Leeds United on Tuesday evening proved they possess the character to match their prodigious talents, according to Simon Mignolet.
Trent Alexander-Arnold, Kevin Stewart and Ovie Ejaria started as the Reds successfully navigated their EFL Cup quarter-final tie, while Ben Woodburn emerged from the bench to net the crucial second goal.
And Mignolet, who returned to the starting XI to tend goal at Anfield, was as impressed by the mentality of the club's youngsters as he was their quality.
“We have so many young players who are showing their talent, not only here at Anfield but in training every day,” Mignolet told the Liverpool Echo.
“It’s not always easy to do it under pressure at Anfield. You need character to deal with that. We were playing for a place in the semi-finals. But they stayed calm and performed.
“Not just Ben, but Trent and Ovie as well. You have to appreciate the level they were at against a Championship side who are fifth in the league.
“They are working hard, keeping their heads down and not getting carried away. They just need to keep progressing. They have got all the talent they need to become very good footballers.
“It’s nice when you play with these young lads because they listen to you and they pick up on the advice you give them before the game, during the game and after the game.”
Woodburn broke Michael Owen's long-standing record to become the club's youngest ever scorer as he converted a Gini Wijnaldum tee-up late in the second half.
Mignolet believes the future is bright for the Wales youth international, but has warned against placing high expectations upon his shoulders.
“He’s only 17 so we haven’t heard him in the dressing room much. He’s obviously shy,” the goalkeeper added.
“But he celebrated his goal really well. All credit to him. It’s no coincidence that he finished the goal like he did. He’s a natural finisher.
“It’s great for Ben to have that record but hopefully it doesn’t come with any baggage. He knows he still has a long way to go. We don’t want to put too much pressure on him.
“I don’t think he’s the kind of lad who will get carried away. If he keeps working hard he has a very bright future ahead of him.”
Mignolet also reflected on his own return to action, declaring himself pleased with his performance across the 90 minutes.
He continued: “I was happy with how I played. It’s not easy when you’ve been sitting on the bench and not played much. But I just needed to stay calm and do my job in the important moments.
“The early save was important because if Leeds had gone in front they would have sat back even more and it would have been an even more difficult night for us.
“I was pleased with that. It’s all I can do. I’ll go back to Melwood and be professional as always.
“I can only prove that I deserve my place back in the team by working hard, doing my best in training and putting in performances when I can.
“The win over Leeds showed that we’ve got a very good squad. Everyone who had the chance to play did well.
“It was nice to get the victory and help the club get into the semis. With a busy period coming up, we will need everybody.”