He was outstanding! Liverpool’s Rodgers heaps praise on Reina

Brendan Rodgers has heaped praise on Liverpool goalkeeper Pepe Reina after the Spaniard’s “outstanding” performance at Wigan Athletic.

While Luis Suárez stole the limelight with a 48-minute hat-trick at the DW Stadium, Reina produced a number of top saves to keep Wigan out and help his side secure a 4-0 win.

Reina even had a role to play in Liverpool’s opener, with the shot stopper’s long-range pass to Philippe Coutinho leading to Stewart Downing’s early goal.

The 30-year-old has endured a mixed campaign by his own high standards, but Rodgers was delighted with Reina’s contribution to the club’s 11th clean sheet of the season.

“I said to the players afterwards that was an outstanding performance from Pepe,” Rodgers told Liverpool’s website.

“He made big saves at critical moments. Sometimes goals, especially away from home, can change the momentum of games, but Pepe was focused throughout.

“His pass for the first goal to Philippe Coutinho opened up the pitch really well.

“He was deserving of his clean sheet – our 11th in the league this season.”

Rodgers also believes Liverpool’s first win at Wigan since 2007 highlights the progress which his side have made since the Northern Irishman took charge last summer.

“Wigan has been a difficult place for the club, having not won there since 2007, so for us to play like we did was another great marker,” added Rodgers.

“We’re better with our concentration and we just need to cut out the mistakes.

“There’s still a long way for us to go. We still need to strengthen the squad but the signs are very good.”