James Milner has hailed the contribution of Simon Mignolet as Liverpool chase a Premier League and Champions League double.
Mignolet has been restricted to just two appearances this season - one in the League Cup, one in the FA Cup - following the summer arrival of Alisson Becker for £65million from Roma.
The Belgian has been an unused substitute in every top-flight and European game with the exception of the season opener at home to West Ham United when Loris Karius, now on loan at Besiktas, made the bench.
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And while hailing the difference made by Liverpool's greater strength in depth this season, vice-captain Milner has pointed to how Mignolet's professionalism is forcing Alisson to maintain his standards between the sticks.
“To be successful, you need a good squad," said Milner. "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.
“Someone who hasn’t been spoken about much this season, but 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 added: “Look at the back four, even. Joe (Gomez) was brilliant before he got injured, then Joel (Matip) comes in. Dejan (Lovren) has done well when he’s played. There’s competition for places everywhere, and that’s what you need.
“Quality players throughout, and some who aren’t even travelling sometimes."
