(Video) One Liverpool player justified his selection v Spurs inside the opening 10 minutes

Andoni Iraola made 10 changes to the Liverpool starting XI for tonight’s Carabao Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspur, and one of those who came into the team justified his selection inside the opening few minutes.

The Basque confirmed on Monday that Giorgi Mamardashvili would start between the sticks, with Alisson Becker dropping to the substitutes’ bench, and the Georgian will be hoping for a big performance as he gets a rare starting appearance for the Reds.

The 25-year-old had a shaky start to the game as he botched what should’ve been a simple pass to Milos Kerkez and then was involved in a momentary mix-up with Joe Gomez, but he’d soon more than make up for those lapses.

Mamardashvili saves Liverpool with brilliant stop from Bergvall

Ten minutes into the game at Anfield, Destiny Udogie sent a low cross into the Liverpool penalty area and Lucas Bergvall seemed poised to score from eight yards out, but Mamardashvili denied him with an outstanding reaction save with his legs.

The Reds goalkeeper then turned to the Kop and roared in delight at his vital early contribution.

(Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)

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A big monent for Mamardashvili and Liverpool

Liverpool’s number 25 didn’t have the most convincing first season at Anfield, keeping just three clean sheets in 20 appearances and being culpable of some suspect ball distribution.

The recent signing of Belgian teenager Lucca Brughmans, who’ll spend the 2026/27 campaign with Genk, seemed to put more pressure on the Georgia international to demonstrate that he could be Alisson’s long-term successor as the Reds’ first choice in goal.

He’ll therefore be delighted to respond to the doubters with that fantastic early save from Bergvall, especially after the couple of uncomfortable moments he had prior to that.

Liverpool put that scare behind them to take the lead through Alexis Mac Allister 10 minutes later, and Mamardashvili’s stop ensured that the home crowd wouldn’t be subdued by the concession of a goal in the opening quarter-hour, off the back of a dour display against Fulham at the weekend.

That’s what we want to see from the Georgian whenever he gets his chance for the Reds!

You can view Mamardashvili’s save below, via ITV Football on X:

(Video) One Liverpool player justified his