Mamardashvili ‘to star for Liverpool’ amid hectic developments – Exclusive
Giorgi Mamardashvili faces a battle to feature for Liverpool this season.
The former Valencia star will take the backup role on Merseyside after Caoimhin Kelleher left to join Brentford earlier in the transfer window.
Whether he will play much of a part in his maiden season at Anfield remains to be seen with Alisson Becker still the number one in L4.
Mamardashvili to star for Liverpool despite concerns
Mamardashvili was told that he should have joined Chelsea instead by talkSPORT host Andy Goldstein amid concerns over his playing time.
However, Iconic commentator Ian Darke believes that the Georgian will play enough matches to justify the transfer.
Speaking exclusively to Liverpool News, he said: “He is a very good goalkeeper, so they can rotate Alisson where they need to next season with him around.
“I think he will get game time, I think the fact that they won’t loan him out again, in an ideal situation, if you are Arne Slot or anyone who has aspirations to win the title, you want to have strong cover in every single position in the team.
“Particularly, with the hectic schedule you are likely to have if it is a successful season, playing most midweeks, so, the trick is to be able to rotate the team without it being too much of a drop down.
“I think, Mamardashvili, I mean, he is a good enough goalkeeper, he made some phenomenal saves for Georgia at the European Championships last summer, he was absolutely outstanding, that is why they signed him.
“He will want first-team football, and will at the very least see himself as Alisson’s eventual successor.
“Of course, the international breaks, Alisson has to rush back because they play Wednesday night, and then it could be they play Mamardashvili in the Premier League if they have a Saturday game, rather than rush Alisson back and have to play him.
“Plus, the League Cup, FA Cup, when there is injuries, he will see enough game time.”
Liverpool need to hand Mamardashvili a chance
Arne Slot needs to give the Georgia international a chance to show what he can do.
He needs to prove that he is the rightful successor to Alisson between the sticks for the Reds and given his quality, it would be a waste if he warmed the bench for the whole season.
As Darke states, rotation is key and that may be crucial given the Brazilian’s injury issues, as he missed 10 league matches last season.
Liverpool supporters may get to see their new stopper in action in the pre-season friendly against Preston (13 July).
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