Simon Mignolet Showing Benching Was for the Best in Improved Liverpool Displays

Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet enjoyed one of his best performances for the Reds in their 2-1 FA Cup fifth-round victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday.

The Belgian stopper commanded his box and was strong in the air, showing a complete change to his form prior to being benched by manager Brendan Rodgers before Christmas.

Rodgers took the decision to drop Mignolet for Brad Jones for what he described as an "indefinite period," as per BBC Sport, for the match against Manchester United at Old Trafford in December.

That match coincided with Rodgers opting for the 3-4-2-1 formation and playing Raheem Sterling as centre-forward.

It was a watershed moment in Liverpool's season and while the result (a 3-0 defeat) was not positive, the performance, and in particular the chances created, was vastly improved.

Since then Rodgers' side are unbeaten in any 90-minute match, suffering defeat only to Chelsea in the League Cup semi-final in extra time.

Mignolet

Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

Mignolet returned to the side when Jones suffered injury in the Boxing Day win at Burnley after just 16 minutes. That game saw the Belgian carelessly give away a corner after allowing a ball to somehow run out of play. His confidence looked shot. It's a moment which proved to be a turning point for him, as he explained in an interview with the Guardian last week:

"

I played half-decent, came for some crosses, but what happened in that game changed a lot of what’s happened since. It was in the first half when I got closed down on a back pass. It was Boxing Day, my family were over here, and my missus and everyone were having dinner when she said: ‘Simon, are you sometimes over-thinking stuff?’

"

That match, a 1-0 win, was Mignolet's fifth clean sheet of the Premier League season. Since then he has kept another four shutouts—making it nine for the season, a total only Southampton's Fraser Forster betters this season, as per Transfermarkt.

Performances and seemingly confidence have improved week-to-week for the Liverpool no.22.

Jamie McDonald/Getty Images

"I made the decision that rather than thinking too much I would be more decisive and commanding," says Mignolet—and that was certainly evident against Crystal Palace.

Previously looking unsure of whether to collect a cross or a corner, Mignolet was decisive and made his mind up early either to punch clear—something he did on more than one occasion and achieved good distance on his punch—or to collect the ball among the body of players.

"Mignolet is looking like a changed man, and this is benefiting Liverpool immensely," wrote Ben Twelves for This Is Anfield post-match.

Having a goalkeeper who can command their penalty area hugely benefits the whole side, giving them confidence in their 'keeper and alleviating the pressure placed upon them. Liverpool's Achilles' heel of defending from set pieces is beginning to show signs of returning to normal.

Liverpool will never be great at defending set pieces due to the makeup of their outfield players, predominantly technically gifted players under 6' tall, rather than a side made up of physical players mostly over such a height. Therefore, having a goalkeeper who can command the area is vital to the team.

Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

While Mignolet's distribution itself isn't markedly improved of late, it has been far more pragmatic. Whereas before he would opt to play out, he's been far more willing to clear his lines and play longer.

This is evidenced by Mignolet's distribution in Liverpool's two games against Aston Villa this season. He made just three long passes in the 1-0 defeat at home but made 20 long passes in the reverse fixture last month, via Squawka.

"

Mignolet long passes vs. Villa (January) - 20 Becoming more decisive? #LFC pic.twitter.com/6xaHGoAJUH

— Jack Lusby (@jacklusby_) January 19, 2015"

That means he's been less accurate, but the team has benefited and Liverpool have been good at winning the second ball high up the pitch with their pressing game.

The improvements in Mignolet's game have arrived at a vital time for Liverpool, and Rodgers will be hoping he maintains this form for the business end of the campaign.