Giorgi Mamardashvili and Ibrahima Konate could see their Liverpool fates linked in Paris

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The Georgian goalkeeper steps into Alisson's shoes in the French capital, where Ibrahima Konate struggled last seasonIn the pantheon of great Liverpool goalkeeping performances, it remains right up there. Alisson Becker’s one-man crusade to prevent Paris Saint-Germain from scoring at the Parc des Princes last March was perhaps the most memorable demonstration of why he remains among the best between the sticks on the planet.Ultimately, though, it was an effort in vain as the Ligue Un side held their nerve in the deciding penalty shoot-out in the Anfield return the following week en route to winning the Champions League.And when Liverpool once again step out in the French capital this evening, they will be without the talismanic Brazil international, Alisson instead back in England continuing his rehabilitation from the latest hamstring issue that has sidelined him for the last three weeks.It says much about the heightened desire among some to portray a club in disarray that there were attempts to suggest Alisson was at odds with Arne Slot given his social media message last week confirming his injury, when in fact he was merely confirming the assessment of the Reds boss earlier in the day.FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FC FACEBOOK PAGE!

All the latest news and analysis from Anfield on the Liverpool Echo's dedicated LFC Facebook pageBeyond doubt, though, is with injuries and time catching up with Alisson - it will be interesting to see if his Anfield career is extended beyond the end of his present contract next summer - tonight represents the latest opportunity for Giorgi Mamardashvili to stake his claim as the Brazilian’s long-term successor.The Georgian has perhaps been given more appearances in his debut season that may have been expected, particularly in the Champions League having featured in five of Liverpool’s previous 10 matches in the competition.Mamardashvili had already acquired enough big-game experience with former club Valencia and the Georgia national team to not be overawed by the prospect of repelling Ousmane Dembele, Desire Doue and company.And he will know all about compatriot Khvicha Kvaratskhelia with the duo having regularly played together for Georgia, most notably at the European Championships in 2024.Part of the reason Alisson was required so regularly against PSG last season was a ragged performance from Ibrahima Konate and a lack of protection from the central midfield.More than 12 months later, both were once again apparent in Saturday’s abject 4-0 FA Cup surrender at Manchester City, although this time even the dependable Virgil van Dijk was dragged down among the stupor.The wayward display from Konate in Paris came at a time when, with the player approaching the final year of his contract, PSG were one of a number of clubs linked with his signature.That his situation remains unresolved less than three months before his deal expires has perhaps contributed to an inconsistent campaign from Konate, although there have been other mitigating factors.Reports in France this week have suggested Konate is much nearer staying at Anfield than departing, with the forthcoming World Cup indicating an imminent decision would suit all concerned parties.Indeed, a strong performance from the centre-back this evening would offer a timely reminder to France national team boss Didier Deschamps ahead of the summer tournament.More pertinently, though, it would offer some redemption for events in Paris last year and in Manchester at the weekend.Liverpool dare not be on the receiving end of another embarrassment that would ramp up the pressure on the beleaguered Slot to almost intolerable levels and ask serious questions over the long-term Anfield futures of several players.Konate and Mamardashvili will be crucial in ensuring the Reds go into next Tuesday’s Anfield return with the chance to atone for more than just recent failings - and hint at what may still come for Liverpool.