Mamardashvili’s impressive record may give Arne Slot a big Champions League problem - opinion

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Arne Slot has a lot of thinking to do but more problems keep arising.The Reds have a lot of issues right now, with the main one being that they need to bounce back following three consecutive defeats.As well as this, injuries keep piling up meaning that Slot is having to think about lots of changes, with the biggest coming in goal after Alisson Becker’s injury against Galatasaray.Although it is not too serious, he is still expected to miss a few games after the international break, with Giorgi Mamardashvili set to get at least some more chances to further impress.However, a few could turn into a lot more than fans would have expected, with the Georgian’s impressive record perhaps giving him the edge for the Champions League knockouts.Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty ImagesGiorgi Mamardashvili has an incredible penalty recordWith the international break in full swing, many of Liverpool’s stars are shining for their countries once again, with Mamardashvili no exception.The goalkeeper is somewhat of a hero for Georgia, and despite losing to Spain 2-0, he put in a very respectable performance once again and even saved a penalty. This is the eighth spot-kick that he has saved across his career, a simply sensational statistic given that he is only 25 years old.To put that into perspective, 33-year-old Alisson has also saved eight throughout his time as a professional, indicating just how good Mamardashvili is at saving shots from 12 yards away.However, unfortunately for the Brazilian, this could also come at a disadvantage as Slot may opt to use the Georgian in the Champions League knockouts – should they get there of course – for this exact reason.Last season they were knocked out to the eventual winners PSG on penalties, with Alisson failing to save any of them.READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp discusses Liverpool’s current poor form and backs ‘outstanding’ player to bounce backThe Brazilian’s last penalty save came in October 2022, meaning he has failed to save any of the last five he has faced.So, with Alisson nearing the end of his Liverpool career and Mamardashvili set to take over the reins, should Slot give the Georgian the run of games in Europe just in case things all boil down to a shootout?Alisson also needs his minutes managedTo say a goalkeeper needs their minutes managed may seem very bizarre, but with Alisson one of the most injury-prone shot-stoppers in the world, it has to be done.He has missed 87 games for club and country since joining the Reds in 2018, something that does not make pretty reading for Liverpool supporters.So with yet another very good second choice goalkeeper behind him, it might be a good idea to just give the Brazilian the Premier League matches, with Mamardashvili playing the rest.Soon enough, the Georgian will play almost every game possible, suggesting that starting early might prove beneficial for everyone involved.