Liverpool’s Goalkeeper Dilemma: Where Does Mamardashvili Fit In? | OneFootball

Giorgi Mamardashvili’s Bold Vision: Liverpool’s Goalkeeping Dilemma

Giorgi Mamardashvili’s Determination to Be Liverpool’s No.1

Confidence is not something Giorgi Mamardashvili lacks. The Georgian goalkeeper carries himself with a conviction that separates the great from the good. When he attended the Ballon d’Or ceremony last year, he did so with the belief that, one day, he could be the one lifting an award no goalkeeper has claimed since Lev Yashin in 1963.

Mamardashvili, who was secured by Liverpool for £29 million last summer before being loaned back to Valencia, is not content to be a spectator. He sees himself as a future No.1, and his ambition is unshakable. Despite Valencia’s ongoing struggles in La Liga, his confidence remains undimmed—a testament to his mentality and self-belief.

His move to Liverpool is unconventional. Few goalkeepers transition to an elite club without the assurance of a starting spot, yet the Reds saw an opportunity too good to pass up. With Valencia’s financial troubles opening the door to a bargain deal, Liverpool acted swiftly. Sporting director Richard Hughes was instrumental in pushing through the signing, and Alisson Becker was consulted before the move was finalised.

With the deal sealed, the question now is: what happens next?

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The Complex Goalkeeping Puzzle at Anfield

Mamardashvili’s imminent arrival at Liverpool presents a challenge for Arne Slot. The club already boasts two highly capable goalkeepers in Alisson and Caoimhin Kelleher, while Vitezslav Jaros has also been gaining experience within the squad.

At Valencia, Mamardashvili has been a standout performer, despite the club’s perilous league position. While there have been occasional errors—such as in the heavy 7-1 defeat to Barcelona in January—his performances have largely been impressive. Last season, he helped Valencia rank fourth in La Liga for clean sheets, despite the team finishing ninth. This campaign, defensive frailties ahead of him have contributed to their struggles, but Mamardashvili’s talent is not in doubt.

Statistically, some numbers may concern Liverpool supporters. A passing accuracy of 63% appears low, but context is key—44% of his passes have been directed into the opposition half, with 16% reaching the final third. In contrast, Alisson boasts an 81% pass completion rate, but only 20% of his passes travel into the opposition half, highlighting the stylistic differences between the two goalkeepers.

Liverpool’s current setup under Slot leans heavily on possession-based football, with goalkeepers expected to initiate attacks with composed distribution. Mamardashvili’s ability to adapt to this style will be crucial if he is to displace Alisson.

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Transition from Valencia to Anfield

Mamardashvili is fully aware of the challenge that awaits him. Helping Valencia avoid relegation is his immediate priority, but he has already begun preparing for life on Merseyside. English lessons are underway, and discussions around housing arrangements in the UK suggest a player determined to integrate quickly.

Liverpool, for their part, are keeping close tabs on their investment. Club staff have been monitoring every game he plays, ensuring his development is on track ahead of pre-season. The challenge for Slot will be how to manage three high-calibre goalkeepers. Alisson remains the undisputed No.1 for now, while Kelleher’s contract situation looms over the decision-making process. With his deal set to expire next summer, Liverpool may look to cash in on the Irish international rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2026.

Mamardashvili, however, has not arrived to be a backup. In his mind, he is already a No.1. His response to Ferran Torres’ question about why he didn’t join Liverpool last summer was simple: “Alisson.” That speaks volumes about his intentions. He didn’t move to merely shadow one of the world’s best; he came to compete.

Defining Summer Ahead for Liverpool’s Goalkeeping Department

Liverpool’s summer transfer window will be pivotal in determining how the goalkeeping department shapes up. With Alisson still performing at an elite level and Kelleher potentially departing, the club must decide if Mamardashvili is ready to assume a leading role.

The Georgian shot-stopper’s development has been steady. Early in his career, he was instructed to avoid long kicks, a directive that helped refine his technical abilities. At Valencia, his distribution has improved significantly, and those within the club have noted a growing composure in his game.

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Slot has remained tight-lipped about specific plans for Mamardashvili, instead focusing on maximising the current squad. However, Liverpool’s decision to invest in the 24-year-old—despite their otherwise restrained approach to the transfer market—suggests a long-term vision for him at Anfield.

Having played a crucial role for Georgia at Euro 2024 and finishing seventh in last year’s Yashin Trophy rankings, Mamardashvili has demonstrated he belongs among the elite. His next step is to prove he can handle the pressure of a club where every match is a must-win occasion.

Valencia’s relegation battle will be the immediate test, but Liverpool is where the real challenge begins. Whether he is patient enough to wait for his opportunity or forces Slot’s hand remains to be seen. But make no mistake—Mamardashvili is not coming to Anfield to sit on the bench. He has his eyes on the No.1 jersey, and he won’t stop until he claims it.