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His early heroics didn't hold out over the course of the entire 2013-2014 Premier League season, but Simon Mignolet had a mostly positive year at Liverpool. While he wasn't quite as commanding as most would like and has some work left to be done with the ball at his feet, his qualities as a shot stopper were at a high level, and he's got the potential to become one of the league's best if he manages to improve the areas in which he failed to perform on a consistent basis.
So it's not surprising to hear the Belgian speak positively about the season gone by on an individual and team level, though it's worth noting that he's not exactly bursting with joy. That's been a common thread among the comments from Liverpool players after a season that saw them progress from seventh to second, and a mighty good indicator that everyone's on the same page about where the club wants to be in the years to come.
"It was my first year at Liverpool and the first time in my career that I've played for such a big club. I'm satisfied with my first season, though I'm well aware that I can still improve a lot. I'm only 26 and that's still young for a goalkeeper. I don't really have any personal goals. I just think about team goals, and we've achieved one by making it to the Champions League.
"I'm proud of what I've accomplished. Yes, it has come quickly, but I've still got a long way to go. The only thing I can do to improve is keep on working. That's what I've been doing for the last five years and it's what I'm going to carry on doing for the next five."
He's likely set for a summer on the sidelines in Brazil; Thibaut Courtois will be Belgium's number one at the World Cup on the strength of another season among the game's best, but Mignolet will hopefully see some meaningful time over the next few weeks as Marc Wilmots' side get prepared for their first World Cup appearance in 12 years.
Mignolet and Belgium will be in action against Sweden tomorrow at 7:30PM BST/2:30PM EST.
