James Milner highlighted the role of a forgotten man of Liverpool’s title charge after victory over Cardiff, saying of Simon Mignolet: “He has the best attitude I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Jurgen Klopp made full use of his squad strength on Sunday as he made three changes to the starting XI that had won in Porto ahead of the Reds claiming a 2-0 win in the Welsh capital.
That meant bench roles for the likes of Milner Fabinho and Xherdan Shaqiri, while Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Dejan Lovren did not even feature in the matchday squad.
But Milner reserved the highest praise for back-up goalkeeper Mignolet, who he believes has been key to pushing his team-mates on this term.
He said: “[We have] quality players throughout, and some who aren’t even travelling sometimes.
“Someone who hasn’t been spoken about much this season - Simon Mignolet.
“It’s incredible how he is around the training ground, he has the best attitude I’ve ever seen in my life.
“Every single day, he pushes himself and pushes Ali and the boys to improve. Nobody will ever speak about him in the press because he’s not on the field, but he’s been so important for us this season.
“That’s exactly what you need, great characters. Even if you’re not playing as much as you would like, the characters in the dressing room are still standing up.”
Milner emerged from the bench to strike a crucial late penalty as the Reds returned to top spot in the Premier League by beating Neil Warnock’s men.
And the No.7 knows how important such contributions from across the squad will be if Klopp’s men are to achieve their aims this season.
He added: “To be successful, you need a good squad. It’s impossible to win or challenge for a Premier League without that, and it’s the same in Europe.
“The amount of games you play, the injuries and suspensions you will pick up.
“Look at the back four, even. Joe was brilliant before he got injured, then Joel comes in. Dejan has done well when he’s played. There’s competition for places everywhere, and that’s what you need.”
