'Kolo and I have a French connection'
The key to Liverpool's defensive solidity at the outset of the new season could partly lie in the ability of two members of the backline to converse in French.
Goalkeeper Simon Mignolet has kept three clean sheets in the Barclays Premier League since 2013-14 got underway, playing a crucial role as the Reds initially climbed to the summit of the division.
Now the Belgian has revealed that he owes a debt of gratitude to centre-back Kolo Toure for his encouraging record to date.
"Kolo and I get on really well because I speak French and so does he, and he plays in front of me," he told Liverpoolfc.com.
"We have a very good connection at the moment. We speak with each other not only about football, but things outside of the game. I get on with him really well."
Mignolet's conversations within the dressing room also extended to Italian forward Fabio Borini, who sought the stopper's advice before agreeing a loan switch to Sunderland - his former club.
The 'keeper continued: "I know Fabio can do really good things over there, it's a place where he will enjoy playing football.
"Once he starts scoring goals the fans will love him as well. I think it's a very good place for him to be and he will definitely do well for the club. I'm hoping the club does well."
The Belgium international arrived at Liverpool with three years' experience of English football and three previous appearances in opposition to the Reds at Anfield.
Mignolet knew of the Kop's tradition of applauding visiting goalkeepers, therefore, and he is now determined to further cement a budding relationship with the club's supporters.
"The first game I played at Anfield as an opposing goalkeeper, my goalkeeping coach told me that I had to salute the fans on the Kop when I arrived," he said.
"It was a special experience the first time I did it. You can feel from stepping onto the pitch that the fans love their goalkeepers and they really appreciate what the goalkeepers do for them.
"I want to do that again and try to connect as much as I can with the Liverpool fans in every single game that we play at Anfield.
"From the first day I arrived at Liverpool Football Club, the club made me feel very welcome. I've settled into the city pretty easily, I've found a place to live and my family enjoy it here as well. I'm very happy at the moment."