Liverpool are set to sign Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia in a deal worth €35 million, but many fans are wondering what role he will play at the Reds with Alisson still in his peak.
Although he doesn’t go straight into the starting eleven, Mamardashvili is part of a long-term succession plan for the Brazilian goalkeeper and will soon be regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
Embed from Getty ImagesMamardashvili’s reputation has increased massively after an impressive Euro 2024 campaign where he was compared to his childhood role model Manuel Neuer for his incredible shot stopping abilities.
In this article, INMR explores what makes the ‘Georgian Wall’ such a highly anticipated signing and what to expect from him at Liverpool in the future, as well as analyse his style of play between the sticks.
Embed from Getty ImagesRise at Valencia
Mamardashvili made his La Liga debut at the age of 20 in August 2021 against Getafe. He stood out in the 1-0 win, making four saves including a fantastic reaction stop in additional time. A positive first impression to say the least.
That season, Valencia were caught in a relegation battle but their goalkeeper saved them from the drop, making 105 saves and keeping eight clean sheets. He also achieved a save percentage of 73.3% which quickly saw him make the number one spot his own.
The following season, as the undisputed starter, Mamardashvili began showing more leadership, communication and presence on the pitch. The ability to command his penalty box was highlighted by his 92% success rate of dealing with crosses into the box, with only Cadiz’s Conan Ledesma bettering him in that metric.
The 6ft6 goalkeeper claimed 80 crosses and punched away just 32, emphasising his aerial dominance in the box. A stellar individual season was capped off by becoming the youngest Valencia goalkeeper ever to reach 50 league appearances.
Embed from Getty Images2023/24 and The European Championships
Last season was Mamardashvili’s best by far, he smashed it in La Liga and lead his country to the Euro 2024 knockout stages for the first time in their history. In the league, Mamardashvili was miles ahead of the rest in terms of goals prevented with 11; only Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak has prevented more since the metric was invented.
In the group stages at the Euro’s, Mamardashvili’s best performance came against Czechia, where he made 11 saves and picked up the man of the match award. In terms of the tournament as a whole, he made the most saves per 90 (7.5), most high claims per 90 (2.25) and ranked in the top 7% for goals prevented per 90 (1.17).
Georgia’s tournament came to a grinding halt in the Round of 16 against eventual winners Spain but Mamardashvili had already shown enough on the world stage to catch Liverpool’s attention.
Embed from Getty ImagesComparisons with Alisson
When compared to current Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson, Mamardashvili holds his own. The Brazilian goalkeeper his been praised for his high save percentages over the years as well as his ability to prevent goals and Mamardashvili’s La Liga stats show he excels in similar areas.
Alisson’s save percentage last season was 73.5% whilst Mamardashvili’s was 72.5%, highlighting the Georgian’s readiness to perform at the highest level. In La Liga last season, he made 108 saves whereas Alisson made just 83; however, Alisson does have a much better defence in front of him so is bound to be less busy.
Overall the pair share similarities in key areas which shows a glimpse of Mamardashvili’s potential to shine for the Reds when his time comes.
Areas to develop at Liverpool
Despite many impressive aspects to his game, Mamardashvili will need to improve with the ball at his feet as currently it’s something Alisson is far superior at. Last season, in La Liga, he lost possession more times than any other goalkeeper, he also made some notable errors at the Euros when in possession.
It’s not a major concern though as Arne Slot’s coaching staff are known for developing goalkeeper distribution due to their possession-based system. Most importantly, Mamardashvili can do the hard part: making match-winning and logic-defying saves.
Embed from Getty ImagesConclusion
Overall, Liverpool have elected a strong successor to take Alisson’s place when his time is up. Mamardashvili’s large frame paired with his agility and speed is going to make him unbeatable on his day in the Premier League. It’s a carefully considered signing and the stats show the Georgian is well equipped to replace one of Liverpool’s all time greats.
Embed from Getty ImagesWritten by Isabelle Newnham
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