The Georgia national football team recently made waves at Euro 2024, reaching the Last 16 as the lowest-ranked team – a remarkable achievement that highlighted the talent within their squad. At the heart of this success were standout performances from goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili and dynamic winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, both making significant impacts at their respective top European clubs. David Webb, the assistant coach for Georgia, recently shared his high praise for these two rising stars, expressing confidence in their bright futures and underscoring their vital roles in the national team’s journey.
🧤 Mamardashvili’s Potential at Liverpool
Georgia’s assistant coach, David Webb, has high hopes for Giorgi Mamardashvili, who joined Liverpool in 2024 before being loaned back to Valencia. Webb believes Mamardashvili has what it takes to become Liverpool’s first-choice goalkeeper in the future. After four consistent seasons in La Liga, his impressive form caught the eye of Liverpool, who are looking for a long-term successor to Alisson. Webb, who works closely with Mamardashvili on international duty, mentioned that while settling into the club and learning from Alisson is his immediate goal, becoming Liverpool’s number one is a clear target. He described Mamardashvili as a “big game goalkeeper,” someone who steps up and makes crucial saves in important moments, particularly during the Euros. Webb also highlighted his exceptional character and phenomenal work ethic as key factors in his current success and future potential.
✨ Kvaratskhelia: Raising Standards
Alongside Mamardashvili, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia stands out as one of the world’s top wingers. After transferring to PSG in January 2025, he quickly helped his team win Ligue 1, the Coupe de France, and the Champions League, also earning a nomination for the Ballon d’Or. Kvaratskhelia has already contributed eight goals and eight assists in his short time at PSG, making him a crucial part of one of football’s best teams. Webb firmly believes that Kvaratskhelia’s exceptional ability to create magic on the field, coupled with his dramatic improvement in both offensive quality and defensive work rate, significantly elevates the Georgia national team. His commitment to helping teammates, even when out of possession, sets a high standard for everyone else in the squad.
🤝 The Power of Team Spirit
Having world-class players like Kvaratskhelia and Mamardashvili certainly boosts the Georgia national team, but Webb emphasized that the squad’s impressive togetherness is equally vital. Unlike some teams where top stars’ egos can sometimes cause issues, Georgia boasts a remarkably close-knit group. Webb noted that the team dynamic is incredibly strong, with “everyone for everyone” and no egos, even among players from bigger clubs. Many players have grown up playing together, fostering deep friendships that create an excellent environment and culture for coaching. This strong unity was a key factor in their unexpected success at Euro 2024, showcasing how a collective spirit can overcome being the lowest-ranked team.
⚽ Next Steps: World Cup Qualifiers
With Euro 2024 behind them, the Georgia national team is now looking ahead to their World Cup qualifying campaign, which begins next month. They are set to face Turkey and Bulgaria in what will be another challenging test. With the continued leadership of players like Mamardashvili and Kvaratskhelia, supported by their strong team spirit and dedicated coaching staff, Georgia aims to build on their recent achievements and continue making their mark on the international stage.
