Exclusive – ‘Simon Mignolet is good enough for Liverpool now, but not at the top level’, says Dietmar Hamann

Dietmar Hamann has come to the defence of under-fire Liverpool goalkeeper Simon Mignolet, but has admitted the Reds may look to replace him if they begin challenging for top honours again.

The Belgian stopper was handed a new five-year deal at the Merseyside club on Monday, much to the dismay and surprise of the Anfield faithful.

Despite facing criticism from fans following a run of errors and unconvincing displays, manager Jurgen Klopp has maintained faith in the glovesman and now former midfielder Hamann has also given his backing, insisting his recent critics have been too harsh.

Yet the German also believes the Belgian may not be good enough for the top level, and that Liverpool may seek to sign a world class keeper to replace Mignolet between the sticks if the team start competing for regular silverware in the near future.

“I think Mignolet is a good goalkeeper," the Champions League-winning star told the Colin Murray show. “Yes he has made a couple of mistakes but he’s been under pressure and I think people are being a little too harsh on him.

“I still think he’s a very good 'keeper. He’s not the problem Liverpool have at the moment, I think they have far deeper problems. It can’t be the easiest job playing behind their current defence.

“Jurgen Klopp seems to believe in him, and I wouldn’t question his judgement if he wants Mignolet as his goalkeeper for the next five years. But you need a top class goalkeeper to win trophies.

“I don’t think Liverpool are in a position to challenge for the Premier League, the Champions League or any trophy at the moment, even though they have a chance to go to the League Cup final.

“Now, they need to focus at getting into the top four, and then I think Mignolet has done his job.

“At the moment, however, they are far away from getting there.”