One to Watch – Simon Mignolet

Name: Simon Mignolet

Date of Birth: 6/3/1988

Nationality: Belgium

Former Clubs: Sint-Truidense

League Appearances (Goals): 184 (0)

International Appearances (Goals): 12 (0)

Stat of the Day: Simon Mignolet has faced a total of 425 shots this season, second only to Brad Guzan with 426

Player Profile: The Belgian golden generation continues to flourish and the Red Devils, along with club side Sunderland, have found something of a hidden gem in Simon Mignolet. Signed in 2010, it took the goalkeeper a while to establish himself as even a contender for the number 1 jersey, but having now been given his chance he has provided Sunderland fans with some sort of satisfaction in an otherwise pedestrian season for The Black Cats. What makes the goalkeepers` rise to the top even more incredible is that up until the age of 14 he was playing as a central midfielder; regarded as being too small, the Belgian decided to make the change to shot-stopper and has not looked back since. It was Steve Bruce who brought Mignolet to North East England, having failed in an attempt to bring David James to the club. The goalkeeper was injured upon O`Neill`s arrival, but his quality quickly shone through and was given his chance, albeit under somewhat fortuitous circumstances, having acquired a shattered eye socket and nose a mere two months before making his return to the side.

Almost a guaranteed winner of the Player of the Season award, Mignolet has consistently kept Sunderland in games as well as winning them crucial points. His towering presence and added shot-stopping, abilities in one versus one situations and distribution are all generally excellent. Prone to the odd mistake, the Belgian still has time to progress and manager Martin O`Neill firmly believes the 25-year-old can become one of the best in the world. QPR`s main problem, not only this season but for what seems like the past 10 years, has been scoring goals, and it only needs another goalkeeper in outstanding form to keep them at bay to further frustrate everyone at Loftus Road.

Player History:

Simon Mignolet originally started out as a midfielder but having been released at the age of 14, he decided to turn to plan B and become a goalkeeper. A year later his hometown club Sint-Truidense decided to take him back. He went on to make 104 league appearances for the club, helping the club win a surprise promotion to the Belgian top flight, even scoring a goal on the way – taking a penalty and missing but managing to score the rebound.

Sunderland apparently beat off competition from top clubs around Europe to capture the signing of Mignolet in 2010, where he signed a five year deal for a reported £2 million. His first season was an impressive one, despite failing to hold down to the number 1 spot. The goalkeeper was preferred to new signing Keiren Westwood at the beginning of the 2011/2012 season but a brutal collision with world class striker Emile Heskey in October saw the Belgian suffer a shattered eye socket and nose. Having only managed four light training sessions since his horrific injury, he was thrown into the spotlight by manager Martin O`Neill due to injuries to other goalkeepers Westwood and Craig Gordon. He impressed in the game against Manchester City and has since established himself as Sunderland`s number one, making 80 league appearances so far. Bright things are ahead for the goalkeeper who already has 12 international caps.

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