Liverpool give Andoni Iraola £30m make-or-break decision

Andoni Iraola faces no shortage of big decisions as he prepares for his first season in charge of Liverpool.

Following the end of Arne Slot’s tenure, it became clear that changes were needed across the squad to avoid another disappointing year.

While much of the attention has centred around the Reds bringing in attacking reinforcements, there are plenty of other positions that need attention.

One of the first dilemmas the new boss needs to address in his debut season is who he will back to be his first choice goalkeeper.

The Spaniard must decide whether to stick with Alisson Becker or look to transition Giorgi Mamardashvilli into the number one between the sticks.

The Brazilian still remains one of the world’s best shot-stoppers, but his injury record is a cause for concern, with 12 missed premier league games last campaign.

Sticking with Alisson

Since joining the club in 2018 the 33-year-old has been instrumental in Liverpool’s success and continues to show glimpses of his class when fit.

However, last season highlighted a decline, with just eight clean sheets and 31 conceded. This is just a shutout in 31% of his games compared to his best campaign in 2018/19 of 55%.

His goals conceded per 90 minutes was also high with 1.19, which compared to 0.58 in his first season is a huge increase.

While Liverpool’s defence struggled and contributed to many of the issues, Alisson’s injury record could leave Iraola relying heavily on his understudy.

Mamardashvilli as number one

Liverpool’s £29m investment in the summer of 2024 suggested they saw the Georgian international as the club’s number one for the future.

However, despite making 19 appearances in all competitions in the 25/26 season, he has yet to establish himself.

Across 10 Premier League matches last campaign, he conceded 18 goals and kept just two clean sheets, showing his performances were also not to a top level.

While he faced criticism over his distribution and occasional errors, becoming first choice goalkeeper may give him the confidence he needs to fulfill his potential, with a continued role as understudy potentially limiting his development.

Could this force Alisson exit?

If Iraola decides to go with Mamardashvilli as his preferred choice, this could accelerate Alisson’s departure and create the need to sign a capable number two.

But the key question still remains whether the 25-year-old is ready to be the main man.