Last year, doubts about Simon Mignolet increased: for the first time he allowed more goals than expected, and he finished sixth in the Goalkeeper of the Year election, an award he won four years in a row. Thomas Taecke of Het Laatste Nieuws noted that some fans and observers doubted his qualities.
In his first four seasons he consistently saved more points than the expected goals indicated, but last season he had a -2.56% and this season a shocking -33%. Club Brugge has already conceded 15 goals, while 10 was expected. Yet Mignolet seems to be on the way back, with a level reminiscent of his performances two seasons ago. It is wondered whether those who previously wrote him off now think differently.
Some fans and observers doubt Mignolet
Simon Mignolet had a strange year last season. For the first time, he allowed more goals than expected, based on the expected goals against versus the actual goals.
In addition, he surprisingly only finished sixth in the election Goalkeeper of the Yeara prize he had previously won four times in a row.
That caused doubts among some supporters and some observers, it was reported Thomas Taeckeclub watcher of The Latest News.
Frank Boeckx agreed that things were less successful at Mignolet last year, but he thinks that criticism is unjustified: “I actually thought the criticism was unjustified. I have nothing against Nordin (Jackers, ed.), but as far as Simon is concerned, ‘playing well’ has become normal. He has to do miracle saves before people say, ‘He is good.’”
Mignolet has not been a points winner for two years: -33% (!) this year
Simon Mignolet is in its sixth season at Club Brugesand his first four years were impressive. He always managed to score more points than expected based on the expected goals against.
He saved respectively +8.5% (19/20), +4.5% (20/21), +7.1% (21/22) and even +11.8% (22/23) more than the statistics predicted. Especially in the 2022/23 season, he shone with a phenomenal performance in the Champions Leaguein which he almost single-handedly guided Club Brugge to the knockout phase.
However, things changed last season: Mignolet dropped points for the first time in four years with a -2.56%, and this season he continues that trend with a big –33%.
Club already swallowed 15 goals concededwhere the expected goals predicted only 10. This from the highest paid player in the country, who according to The Newspaper earns 3.4 million euros annually.
Still that octopus from two years ago?
However, those 33% extra goals conceded are possible Simon Mignolet are not charged. The defense in front of him is not stable and often leaves gaps. Yet the 36-year-old reaches a high level again.
“These days, Mignolet is increasingly becoming that octopus from two seasons ago,” wrote Niels Poissonierhead of football The Latest News.
“Mignolet also realizes the climate in which he works. A culture of winning, where the bar can never be high enough. He has helped indoctrinate himself over the past six years.”
Not only does he excel on the field, but Mignolet also plays a crucial role in the locker room. In a team where natural leaders and a strong mentality are scarce, said ex-coach Ronny Deila him “the clear leader” last season.
Behind the scenes he is a driving force, who does everything he can to keep the team sharp and motivate or wake up players when necessary.
Have observers and fans already changed their opinions?
Not so long ago it sounded that way Simon Mignolet didn’t get any more points. “Could those who wrote off Mignolet earlier this calendar year have already changed their opinion?” asked Thomas Taecke wonders The Latest News.
“The goalkeeper has been goalkeeping at a high level this season, but it is actually not a good signal that Mignolet has to score points every week.”
Peter Vandenbempt adds that Club Bruges we can be happy that Mignolet is back in top form. But the current 15 out of 30 is simply not enough for a club like Club. The analyst sees that there is no constant in individual, except for Mignolet, and collective performance.
“It cannot be the intention that Simon Mignolet has to prevent the uneasy feeling that Club Brugge currently has from turning into a real crisis.”
