‘Liverpool may have Alisson replacement inbound amid Anfield exit rumours’
Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson reminded the world of his quality in the 1-0 Champions League win against PSG on Wednesday.
The Brazilian stopper made nine saves and kept a clean sheet as Arne Slot‘s side secured an advantage to take back to Anfield, a feat which no other goalkeeper has managed in the competition this season.
However, he is set to have competition for his starting spot next season with the arrival of Giorgi Mamardashvili from Valencia.
Alisson shines in Liverpool victory
The Brazilian’s performance in the French capital showed that he is still the best goalkeeper in the world despite his injury issues, which have limited him to 26 appearances in all competitions.
Former Newcastle striker Alan Shearer was blown away by his display as he singlehandedly kept the Reds in the contest despite the Parisians threatening constantly.
Speaking on the Rest Is Football podcast (7 March), Shearer said: “Liverpool got battered, the performance of Alisson in goal, I’ve not seen a goalkeeping performance like that for a long time.
“He was absolutely outstanding, I mean some of the saves he was making.”
Mamardashvili will not displace Alisson
The Georgian will arrive on Merseyside with considerable fanfare despite a disappointing season in La Liga, in which he has conceded 38 goals in 22 matches.
He may well have to settle for the backup spot that Caoimhin Kelleher has held in recent years, stepping in admirably when Alisson is injured.
| Stats | Alisson (Premier League) | Mamardashvili (La Liga) |
| Save percentage | 73.4% | 57.3% |
| Goals conceded | 17 | 38 |
| Clean sheets | 8 | 5 |
However, there is a slight caveat when considering that Valencia are in the relegation zone, so they are nowhere near the quality of Slot’s side.
The 24-year-old may well improve drastically when he starts for the Reds given the upgrade in the defence that is in front of him with the likes of Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konate among the top centre-backs in the game.
However, Alisson is widely regarded as the best in the world and has shown no signs of giving up his starting spot, with rumours of a departure to Saudi Arabia seeming premature given his form this season.
His latest display in Paris is the biggest indication yet that the 71-cap star is not finished at the highest echelons of the game and he will be vital if the Merseysiders are to maintain their position at the summit of the Premier League and winning the Champions League.