Liverpool have always been a club that has, where applicable, trusted in youth, and a Reds coach has highlighted one of the latest to come through the ranks as Europe’s best in his position.
And that’s no different under Arne Slot. Despite having experienced figures like Mohamed Salah, Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson in the squad, the Dutchman is placing real emphasis on bringing through the next generation.
That’s been the motto in the transfer market. The acquisitions of Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike embody this.
Another new addition, who has gone under the radar, having signed last season, is Giorgi Mamardashvili. He possesses ‘huge potential’, according to Liverpool’s returning goalkeeper coach, Xavi Valero.
Liverpool’s goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero on Giorgi Mamardashvili
Valero is back at Liverpool after a 15-year hiatus at the club, and he’s excited not just at the prospect of working with Alisson, but also with Mamardashvili.
He told Liverpool’s official website: “In Gio, we have a goalkeeper who is a younger goalkeeper with huge potential. He is the best young goalkeeper in Europe, and I think he’s already showing that he has got what you need to have to be a top goalkeeper in the coming years.
“He’s been very solid, and he keeps growing, and he showed that in La Liga with Valencia for all those years. I would say that he is the best goalkeeper of his age.”
Mamardashvili is still expected to be number two this season, but with so many cup fixtures, he will surely get minutes under Slot.
Plus, when Alisson finally departs Anfield, Liverpool may already have a ready-made replacement in the Georgian.
Coaching Mamardashvili and Alisson a ‘privilege’
Working with two of the greatest keepers in Europe is a real honour – and this is something Valero realises.
“Coaching them is a privilege that comes with a responsibility, but I feel lucky to be able to work with these goalkeepers on a daily basis and to be able to support them and to keep the standards high. I have to be able to have the answers to their questions, but that is part of my job.
“Everyone in the club, from the manager to anyone working in the club, the standards are really high and we feel that every day.
“From my side, it’s the same, and I’m quite convinced that we are going to be able to have a successful season and still keep the high standards that the club has set for us.”
It’ll be good for Liverpool supporters to see a new face between the sticks this season, and someone who could be the future of the goalkeeping slot for many years to come at Anfield.
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