Joey Barton has teared into Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet and believes he is a liability.
The 29-year-old is regarded as the first-choice option in goal at Anfield ahead of Loris Karius, but has constantly been criticised for his ability during his time with the Merseyside club.
He once again failed to keep a clean sheet at the weekend in the 3-2 win over Leicester and has shipped 14 goals in seven games this season across all competitions.
The Reds have struggled defensively so far this season and Jurgen Klopp’s entire back-line has come under immense scrutiny.
Barton has singled out Mignolet as a big part of Liverpool’s problem and considers him to be the worst shot stopper out of the top-six clubs in the Premier League.
“Mignolet looks dodgy every time the ball comes in and around him,” Mignolet told talkSPORT. “I don’t think he’s sure of himself. People perhaps forget that he was the Sunderland goalie – it’s not like he’s got top-class pedigree.
“He’s not an international goalkeeper. He’s in the Belgium squad but he’s never going to push Courtois for the number one jersey. You look at the Premier League’s top six sides, Liverpool have the worst goalkeeper.”
Mignolet has been with Liverpool for four seasons and has had to deal with question marks over his quality since his big move.
OPINION
Mignolet can’t be solely blamed for Liverpool’s defensive frailties and most would struggle playing behind the current back-line. However, the Belgian isn’t a big driving force in his side and Barton picked out his vulnerability from set-pieces. He can be a good shot stopper on his day and has the edge over Karius right now, but Liverpool are unlikely to challenge for the title without a top-class goalkeeper.