For Valencia to get out of the hole they dug themselves into earlier this season, it was key that Giorgi Mamardashvili was in good form and providing a last line of defence when those in front of him once again failed.
The Georgian international is the subject of a transfer agreement between Liverpool and Valencia, and is set to move to Anfield in the coming summer window.
A recent slight wobble in his form perhaps got more attention than it should have and he was back to his imperious best as Valencia beat Real Madrid at the weekend. For most, he was Man of the Match at the Bernabeu and his heroic performance – which included a penalty save – should see Valencia safe.
There had been suggestions that Mamardashvili could stay at Valencia a further season should they stay up, with Alisson continuing for a further campaign at Liverpool.
SuperDeporte, local to Valencia, don’t think that’s happening and say he’s off to Anfield, but to ‘compete’ with Alisson rather than replace the Brazilian.
According to SuperDeporte, the goalkeeper’s performance was ‘close to perfection’, and a message to those watching to enjoy one of the best in the world before he sets sail for Liverpool.
Mamardashvili himself is quoted as saying: “I know I’m not at my best right now, but I’m convinced that challenges make us stronger. I’m putting all my effort in to returning to my best as soon as possible.”
For SuperDeporte, he’s already there.
