Giorgi Mamardashvili is poised to make his long-awaited debut for Liverpool when the Reds face Southampton in the Carabao Cup third round on Tuesday night.
The 24-year-old goalkeeper has been a standout figure for Liverpool during pre-season, yet has remained on the bench throughout the current campaign as Alisson Becker has continued as Arne Slot’s first-choice keeper.
Liverpool secured Mamardashvili from Valencia last summer in a deal reportedly worth £25 million. As part of the agreement, the Georgian shot-stopper remained with the La Liga side for the 2024/25 season before making the move to Anfield this summer. His patience has now paid off, and he is ready to take his first step into competitive action for the Reds.
Reflecting on his journey, Mamardashvili admitted the transition to Liverpool has been “crazy,” and spoke warmly about the impact of his teammates, particularly Alisson.
“Really good people. Ali helped me a lot to improve,” he told the club’s official website. “When I was a child, it was like a dream to meet players like Alisson, Virgil [van Dijk] and Mo [Salah]. Now I’m with them and I’m so happy. There are a lot of quality players. I knew it before but what I saw is crazy, it’s really crazy.”
Mamardashvili also highlighted the importance of patience and hard work in earning his first appearance.
“I have had to be patient. I worked hard and I’m so [excited] to make my debut, my first official game. I’m so happy,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if I play or not, I have to be ready. I work hard every day.”
Although Alisson remains the undisputed number one at Anfield, Liverpool’s goalkeeping department has undergone significant changes this summer. Caoimhin Kelleher left the club for Brentford in a deal worth up to £18 million, seeking regular first-team football. Meanwhile, Vitezslav Jaros joined Ajax on a season-long loan, reuniting with former Reds coach John Heitinga.
Liverpool also strengthened the squad behind Alisson by bringing in Freddie Woodman on a free transfer after his Preston North End contract expired, and signing promising youngster Armin Pecsi from Puskas Akademia in a deal worth up to £1.5 million.
On the opportunity to play in cup competitions, Mamardashvili said: “I think every competition is important. It’s one more opportunity to make our fans proud.”
As he prepares to step between the posts for the Reds for the first time, Mamardashvili’s excitement is evident. His journey from Valencia to Anfield, and from hopeful youngster to first-team debutant, marks a significant milestone in his career and a promising addition to Liverpool’s goalkeeping options.
