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Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James believes that Giorgi Mamardashvili could soon become the first-choice ahead of Alisson Becker, citing his problematic injury record.
Liverpool signed Mamardashvili from Valencia in a deal worth $33.5 million last summer, though that fee could rise to $39 million with potential add-ons. Mamardashvili is yet to make his competitive Liverpool debut as he was loaned back to Valencia for the 2024-25 season as part of the transfer agreement.
Mamardashvili has featured heavily in preseason as Alisson was forced to return home for personal reasons. While Alisson remains Liverpool's No. 1 and is expected to start next season, James believes he could struggle to retain his role if any injury problems occur.
Alisson has missed 10 Premier League games in each of the last two seasons, but understudy Caoimhin Kelleher filled in as a trusted understudy. Kelleher was sold to Brentford in a deal worth $24 million this summer, as Mamardashvili is seen as a significant upgrade.
The 24-year-old represents Georgia at the international level and has established himself as one of the top goalkeepers in La Liga before joining Liverpool. Alisson is still considered one of the best in the world, but James has concerns for the 32-year-old if he loses his place.
Speaking at the launch of Final One Standing by William Hill, James said: "Alisson is still the best goalkeeper in the world. I know Gianluigi Donnarumma had an amazing season with Paris Saint-Germain. He delivered top performances in a lot of big games, but he didn’t necessarily perform consistently in Ligue 1.
"Alisson does pick up a few injuries though, and that can open the door for Giorgi Mamardashvili. If he gets an opportunity, Mamardashvili can keep Alisson out of the team.
"Mamardashvili had a difficult season last year with Valencia, they were in the bottom three in La Liga for a long period of the campaign, but that wasn’t down to his performances." James also credited Kelleher for his impact at Liverpool, but believes that Mamardashvilli has bigger aspirations.
"Caoimhin Kelleher was a fantastic deputy to Alisson, but Mamardashvili will be coming to Anfield with the confidence that he can be the new No. 1," James added. "He’s got the ability to push Alisson and from Arne Slot’s perspective, he will be able to pick from two superb keepers."
Mamardashvili is seen as Alisson's future successor, but is expected to feature in cup games next season. Alisson arrived at Liverpool in 2018, after completing an $89 million move from AS Roma.
Alisson was named the Best FIFA Goalkeeper in 2019 and has twice won the Premier League Golden Glove. Alisson has been instrumental in Liverpool's recent success, and his impact has been acknowledged again.
He has been nominated for the 2025 Yachine Trophy, given to the best goalkeeper in world soccer at the Ballon d’Or awards. After winning the award in 2019, he was named runner-up three years later.
Alisson faces competition from Yassine Bounou, Lucas Chevalier, Thibaut Courtois, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Emiliano Martinez, Jan Oblak, David Raya, Matz Sels, and Yann Sommer. The winner will be confirmed on Sept. 22.
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