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Giorgi Mamardashvili’s transition to Liverpool has been overshadowed by a challenging 2024–25 campaign at Valencia, where the Georgian goalkeeper has faced intense scrutiny from Spanish media and fans alike.

Valencia’s dire league position—18th in La Liga and second-worst defensively with 44 goals conceded—has magnified Mamardashvili’s struggles.

The 24-year-old, who joined Liverpool last summer but remained on loan at Valencia, has underperformed his post-shot expected goals (xG) by 4.6, a stark contrast to his +10.2 overperformance in 2023–24.

After a 3–3 draw with Osasuna in March, where Mamardashvili conceded three goals from an xG of 1.52, manager Carlos Corberán remarked:

“We compensate for any performances below the usual level of our players with a lot of work.”

Criticism peaked in February 2025 as Valencia’s relegation fears intensified.

Spamish media were keen to point out  Mamardashvili’s decline from his Euro 2024 heroics—where he made 21 saves for Georgia—to a goalkeeper “no longer performing miracles”.

Former Liverpool keeper Sander Westerveld also voiced concern:

“It’s strange that since signing for Liverpool, his level dropped… There’s been criticism he might be dropped.”

But amid all the pressure,  he silenced critics with a man-of-the-match display against Real Madrid last weekend, saving a Vinícius Júnior penalty and denying Federico Valverde in a 2–1 upset at the Santiago Bernabéu.

And speaking after that famous win, the Georgian has assured both Valencia fans as well as the Anfield faithful that he’s working to get back to his top form as soon as possible:

“I know that I am not at my best now, but I am convinced that challenges make us stronger?

I’m putting all my effort to be my best version again as soon as possible,” he said as quoted by Super Deporte.

Liverpool’s own decision to sign Mamardashvili—viewed as Alisson Becker’s eventual successor—has largely meant that Caoihimin Kelleher will look to move on in the summer.

But for the Georgian, he’s not content with just being Kelleher’s replacement.

“I am going to Liverpool to fight for the number one spot,” he said towards the end of March

“I will go there to train at my best, and I don’t know what they will decide afterward.”

“I don’t decide who plays and who doesn’t.”

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