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Liverpool goalkeeping coach John Achterberg has revealed the reasons behind Simon Mignolet’s improvement since his return to the Reds’ first team.

The Belgian stopper has been in fine form since reclaiming the no.1 spot from Loris Karius in December.

Having been dropped for the summer arrival once Karius recovered from a broken hand sustained in pre-season, poor performances from the German saw Mignolet recalled into the starting line-up.

He has since enjoyed the best form of his Anfield career so far, with clear evidence of bettering his ability against physical opponents.

Once seen as a weak link when claiming crosses and set-pieces, the 29-year-old has produced good showings against Stoke, West Brom and Watford in the past month.

Achterberg, the man with the task of extracting that improvement from the club’s goalkeepers, has spoken on how Mignolet has implemented more aggression into his game.

“We talk about how we can implement aggressive situations in training,” Achterberg said.

“There are so many goalkeeping tactics: your body language, dealing with physical presence, being dominant and how you present on the pitch with good aggression in the game - but it is also about making the right decisions.

“Now he is really aggressive to the point where he is not afraid to put his knee in my back. That’s what I want because it is about creating aggression.

“If it is (Troy) Deeney you are trying to stop getting the ball you have to be streetwise and aggressive. You can be nice off the pitch but on it you are fighting for your living and for the team.”

Mignolet was dropped for 10 games earlier in the campaign, a move which pleased his vocal detractors, who believed he made too many errors.

Since returning, errors have been to a minimum, and Achterberg believes the expectation surrounding a club of Liverpool’s side means even Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer would struggle to impress.

“We could sign Manuel Neuer but I am telling you now he will make two or three mistakes - that is how it is,” the Dutchman told PA.

“No one is perfect and that is the problem. If you play for Liverpool you are expected to keep clean sheets in every game and win 9-0. Realistically that is not how it works - only on the PlayStation.

“Simon has definitely done really well. I think he’s had a good season. The Chelsea free-kick and then against Hull were probably two things that could have been better but if that is two things in how many games, in the whole season, then there is no life for any goalkeeper.

“The goalkeeping situation is a massive issue outside and every small thing is highlighted - that is something the goalkeepers have to deal with because that is how it is.”

Considering what is expected of a Liverpool goalkeeper, the former Tranmere Rovers man added: “If you play for Liverpool you are expected to command everything: the box, outside the box, you need to come for crosses, be good in one-v-one, distribution has to be perfect and you need to be the best shot-stopper.

“How many goalkeepers in the world is that expected of? If you play for Sunderland or West Brom it is a different type of game than if you play for Liverpool, when you have to cover more space.

“It is very simple if you have a team playing with 10 around the box, then the goalkeeper only has to cover the small spaces between the players and the opponent with the ball.

“If there are not as many bodies in the way you have to cover the whole goal. If you want to be the best you want to produce every day and be perfect in everything you do on and off the pitch.

“If you cannot do that then you are not at the right club because Liverpool want only to have the best and be the best.”