Giorgi Mamardashvili transfer EXPLAINED as Liverpool get PERFECT Alisson heir | OneFootball

The initial link to Giorgi Mamardashvili raised a few eyebrows, didn’t it?

Why would Liverpool spend decent money on a goalkeeper when they already have the best in the world in Alisson Becker, a decent back-up in Caoimhín Kelleher and the highly-rated Vítězslav Jaroš. It didn’t seem like the best use of funds when you have other areas to improve with the team and a finite budget.

In goalkeeping terms, Alisson is still a spring chicken. The Brazilian shot-stopper turns 32 in October and could, if fitness permits, play on for the best part of a decade. Manuel Neuer is still going at 38. Hugo Lloris was still Spurs No1 at 36. But just because he could might not mean he wants to. The former Roma man strikes me as someone who wants to enjoy life. The sort of person who wants to eat BBQ for breakfast, dinner and tea, every single day. And I wouldn’t begrudge him that at all.

I wouldn’t begrudge him just wanting to leave, if I’m being honest. For starters, he’s won everything there is to win with Liverpool. He’s also lost a number of close friends recently with Fabinho and Roberto Firmino departing. The departure of Jurgen Klopp probably hit him hard, too. So there’s all of that to ponder.

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You also have to consider his injury record.

Alisson has struggled with a few hamstring and hip issues since the move to Merseyside. Previous injuries can’t be used as a predictor for things to come but you can’t imagine these muscle niggles randomly clearing up with age, can you? Unless he changes his routines and focuses more on recovery and stretching,

Bringing in Mamardashvili would futureproof the Reds in this position

ESP: Valencia CF v Real Madrid - La Liga EA Sports VALENCIA, SPAIN - MARCH 2: Giorgi Mamardashvili of Valencia CF during the match between Valencia CF and Real Madrid of La Liga EA Sports on March 2, 2024 at Mestlla Stadium in Valencia, Spain. Photo by Samuel Carreno Copyright: xSamuelxCarrenox SAM_8565A

Yes, Kelleher is already at the club and he was considered to be the best back-up goalkeeper in the world at one point by Jurgen Klopp. He’s done well during pre-season, and looks comfortable in an Arne Slot system, but if Liverpool are moving for the Georgia international, they can’t be convinced he can replace Alisson. He might be good enough to fill in for him when sidelined with an injury, but replacing him permanently is a different thing altogether.

We also aren’t sure what is going on with Kelleher’s long-term future. He’s made no secret that he wants to be a regular starter. He’s been linked away with a move from Anfield for the past three summers. He now only has two years remaining on his deal. If he does leave, maybe Jaros will fill his spot as the too good to be backup but not good enough to displace the first choice keeper. From the little I’ve seen of him, he looks good. Maybe that is the play here though.

Jaros replaces Kelleher. Mamardashvili replaces Alisson.

But why Mamardashvili?

Giorgi Mamardashvili

Is it purely a reaction to his exploits at the Euros? I’m going to say no. Liverpool wouldn’t move for a player off the back of a good showing at an international tournament. This isn’t 2002. Don’t get me wrong. His showing against Czechia did his reputation no harm. He made 11 saves in the 1-1 draw and faced shots with an Expected Goals on Target total of four. I can’t ever recall seeing those sorts of numbers for a goalkeeper.

What will appeal to Liverpool is his shot-stopping ability. I know what you’re thinking.

No way, Liverpool want a goalkeeper for his ability between the sticks. What incredible insight.

Don’t be like that though. There are levels to this and Mamardashvili hit the top level last season in LaLiga. He prevented 10.8 more goals than your average shot-stopper. Alisson posted similar numbers during that one season as Roma No1. The only time he’s finished the season with a +10 for Liverpool was during the 2022/23 campaign when he ended with +10.1. And you all remember how good he was during that season, right? He made 105 saves. For context, Mamardashvili made 103 saves last season as the Valencia No1. He had a 73% save percentage which is almost identical to Alisson’s at Liverpool.

The 6ft6 goalkeeper is the difference between a draw and a win. He needs to work on his distribution, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker. If you find someone with these numbers and you aren’t having to break a world record to sign them, you sign them.

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