Alisson Becker’s remarkable Champions League performance away to Paris Saint-Germain last month — where he made nine saves at the Parc des Princes — was described by the Liverpool goalkeeper as “probably the best performance of my life.” That performance is likely to be remembered for years to come.

Top clubs often rely heavily on their goalkeepers, and Alisson has been a vital part of Liverpool’s success since his arrival in 2018, helping the Reds to triumph in both the Premier League and the Champions League, among other honours.

However, with Alisson turning 33 this year, his long-term future at the club is naturally being considered. Last November, he revealed his desire to one day return to Internacional, the Brazilian side where his career began.

“There’s always that feeling of good memories and a desire to wear the Inter shirt again,” he told Brazilian media. “I have a three-year contract with Liverpool. I don’t think the future is definitive for anyone, but in football, I hope to fulfil my contract here in England and, then, after that… I’m open [to returning].”

With Caoimhin Kelleher expected to depart Anfield this summer in pursuit of a starting role elsewhere, the possibility of Alisson and Giorgi Mamardashvili battling for the No. 1 shirt over the next two seasons is becoming increasingly likely.

Fans should not expect the Georgian international to play a secondary role. Mamardashvili has made his intentions clear — he wants to become Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper.

“I was attracted by Liverpool’s project when the club’s representatives met me to sign me,” Mamardashvili explained last year. “I will fight for the starting goalkeeper position, even if the current goalkeeper does not leave the team.”

At 24 years old, Mamardashvili is eight years Alisson’s junior and appears well-equipped to take over the role — whether he earns it sooner or inherits it in due course.

He demonstrated his quality on Saturday in Valencia’s surprise victory over Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu, producing a man-of-the-match display to help his team move seven points clear of the La Liga relegation zone.

Asked whether it was the best performance of his career — much like Alisson’s recent remarks following his own heroics in Paris — Mamardashvili responded: “That may be the case. But there are still many games left and I’m going to do even better. This is the path I always have to follow.”

Among his eight saves during the match was a crucial penalty stop from Vinícius Júnior, diving low to his left to deny the Brazilian's attempt from 12 yards. He also pulled off a sensational reflex save to prevent Federico Valverde from scoring at close range, using his full 6ft 6in frame to keep the ball out.

Such composure and brilliance under pressure — particularly away from home against one of Europe’s elite sides — only further strengthens Mamardashvili’s case as a worthy successor to Alisson.

New Liverpool manager Arne Slot has consistently affirmed Alisson’s position as first-choice when fit, but Mamardashvili is already making a strong case to challenge that hierarchy.