Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili has been told he should seek an immediate loan move after Alisson Becker was named as the Reds' vice-captain by manager Andoni Iraola
Giorgi Mamardashvili is Liverpool's backup goalkeeper
Giorgi Mamardashvili is Liverpool's backup goalkeeper(Image: Getty Images)
Giorgi Mamardashvili might need to consider the smart career decision of departing Liverpool straight away, according to former Reds forward Stan Collymore.
The Georgian shot-stopper made 20 appearances for the Merseyside club last term, his debut campaign following his transfer from Valencia. The keeper, who turns 26 next month, endured defeat in 12 of those outings and faced scrutiny over a number of his performances while standing in for Alisson Becker during the Brazilian's injury absence.
Alisson was reportedly a target for Juventus during the summer transfer window, but the Reds' first-choice goalkeeper has remained at Anfield and been appointed Liverpool vice-captain by Andoni Iraola.
Collymore believes that insufficient regular playing time may have played a part in that decline in performance levels, and suggests Mamardashvili might consider departing the club, potentially on a temporary basis, following Alisson's decision to stay.
"Goalkeepers and strikers need regular match minutes to develop – you cannot refine spatial awareness or match sharpness purely from the bench," the former Reds forward told 10bet.
"If Mamardashvili is told he won't feature in key Premier League or Champions League fixtures, seeking an immediate loan is the smartest career move.
James Trafford joined Leeds after failing to become Manchester City's first-choice goalkeeper
James Trafford joined Leeds after failing to become Manchester City's first-choice goalkeeper(Image: Getty Images)
"Accepting a pure backup role for extended periods risks framing a player as a secondary option in the eyes of other top European clubs. He needs to proactively seek regular first-team football to maintain his career momentum.
"There have been many players who join a football club and move on within a couple of months. It won't be the first time, and it won't be the last.
"What Mamardashvili cannot afford to do is let the narrative set for the next six months that he is content simply being Alisson's understudy.
"If he accepts that, other clubs will look at him and ask why they should trust him as a number one if he lacks that internal drive.
"That mirrors the James Trafford situation. Rivals will assume he is happy sitting on the bench, taking the occasional League Cup start or meaningless Champions League group fixture.
"Why would you throw a goalkeeper like that straight into the Bernabeu against Real Madrid?
"The first thing a player in that position must do after preseason is speak directly to the manager, 'Am I going to play in the matches that truly matter?'
"If the manager cannot offer those guarantees, you request an immediate loan move."