22 hours ago
5
Disaster struck for Liverpool on Tuesday with a 1-0 loss to Galatasaray, but possibly more concerning than dropping points in the Champions League was news of Alisson’s injury.
The 33-year-old, who has been a constant presence between the sticks during lots of Liverpool's recent success, was taken off in the 56th minute after suffering from problems in his hamstring.
While no time frame has been officially given, there are reports that he could be out for as long as six weeks, as he also misses time with the Brazilian national team. But with Liverpool’s number one now out of action, in has stepped Giorgi Mamardashvili.
While the number two choice is yet to play in the Premier Leagye, the Georgian's international coach has spoken out to tell fans exactly what they can expect.
Speaking to Mail Sport, Georgian national team Assistant Manager David Webb compared the keeper to that of Manchester City’s new number one and Golden Glove winner. He added: “Giorgi is not at Alisson’s level yet, but he is only getting better. He is commanding. When you look at someone like Gianluigi Donnarumma, he is massive, has the presence, and is an outstanding shot-stopper. You can make comparisons.”
The 25-year-old keeper isn’t just big in figure to take up the goal, a staggering six foot, seven inches, but is also a calm presence at the back, even in high-pressure moments. Webb went on: “He can deal with pressure in the big moments. In the Euros [2024], he came into his own — I knew then he could play at the highest level.”
For those who didn’t watch him at Valencia, Mamardashvili’s is perhaps most recognisable as being a part of an impressive run in Euro 2024, where he stood out in Georgia’s surprise surge to the round of 16. In particular, he caught eyes with a sensational performance against Czechia, making 11 saves in that match alone.
That being said, ahead of his Premier League debut at Stamford Bridge, this is a baptism of fire.
He had previously picked up a cap in the EFL Cup during the Reds’ 2-1 win against Southampton, a performance that impressed Slot, who has no worries about him taking up the role in the next few weeks.
Slot added: “I think we’ve seen against Southampton how well he’s adjusted. We knew that we were bringing in a very good goalkeeper.
“But when he plays his first game, that’s always the best way of seeing that he’s adjusted well or not, and I think we’ve seen in that game that he’s adjusted really well to our goal, which is not a surprise because he’s a quality goalkeeper.
“Now he can do what Caoimh [Kelleher] had to do so many times in the past, replacing Alisson – hopefully in a way Caoimh did so many times before.”
The keeper will be in action in today’s light kick-off in an away tie at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
English (US) ·