'Outstanding': Stephen Warnock says Giorgi Mamardashvili did something which showed how good he is tonight
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Liverpool finally saw Giorgi Mamardashvili in action on Tuesday evening as they faced Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
The Georgian was signed more than one year ago, but has had to be patient before making his official debut.
In the meantime, Mamardashvili had continued impress with Valencia, earning a reputation as one of the most promising goalkeepers in Europe.
At Liverpool, he will start as back-up for Alisson Becker, who remains very much first choice under Arne Slot.
With opportunities likely to be limited in the Premier League and Champions League, Mamardashvili will have to rely on the cup competitions to make his mark.
And according to former Liverpool full-back Stephen Warnock, the 24-year-old showed evidence of his qualities in the early stages of the Southampton game.
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Mamardashvili spoke out ahead of his debut to declare how much he was looking forward to playing against Southampton.
And it did not take long for the Georgia international to be called into action.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
READ MORE: Alexander Isak says striker Liverpool signed for £23m was even better than Robbie Fowler
He had to be sharp to turn away an effort from Southampton forward Adam Armstrong, blocking the shot with a strong arm.
And watching on on commentary for ITV, Warnock gave an early verdict on Mamardashvili’s first meaningful action for Liverpool.
“He’s got the reputation of being an outstanding goalkeeper, arguably one of the best number twos in world football, and there’s the evidence why,” said the pundit.
“It’s a strong wrist and it had to be from the shot from Adam Armstrong.”
Mamardashvili was not the only player turning out in Liverpool red for the first time ever on Tuesday.
Just in front of the goalkeeper, Giovanni Leoni got his first taste of action since joining in the summer window.
There are high hopes for Leoni, who arrives with the potential to be one of the best centre-backs in Europe.
And the Italian showed a glimpse of that against Southampton.
Liverpool fans were impressed by the early signs from Leoni as he slotted into the back line with consummate ease.
There’ll hopefully be much more to come from both him and Mamardashvili over the years.