I’ve handed the Man of the Match award to him because he’s the one who truly earned it, not me. He genuinely saved Liverpool today,” Virgil van dijk reveals the ONE Liverpool player he believes deserved the Man of the Match honor against Frankfurt today.

“He saved Liverpool today” — Van Dijk hands Man of the Match to Mamardashvili after 5-1 Frankfurt defeat 🔴🔥

In a display of humility and leadership, Virgil van Dijk stated that he personally delivered his Man of the Match award to Liverpool goalkeeper Giorgi Mamardashvili, hailing the youthful shot-stopper as the actual hero of the Reds’ 5-1 victory over Eintracht Frankfurt.

Despite being dubbed the standout performer for his stunning goal and authoritative defensive performance, the Liverpool captain felt that Mamardashvili, who was filling in for the injured Alisson Becker, “genuinely saved Liverpool today.”

“I gave him the Man of the Match award because he truly deserved it, not me,” Van Dijk said after the match. “He saved our lives when we were under pressure. Without his saves, we may have been two or three down before halftime.

The Dutch defender’s comments came following a tumultuous start in which Frankfurt seized a surprising 26th-minute lead. Just as the home team appeared to be extending their lead, Mamardashvili made two world-class reaction saves, one from point-blank range, to totally change the tide of the game.

Liverpool’s comeback began moments later, with goals from Hugo Ekitike, Van Dijk, Ibrahima Konaté, Cody Gakpo, and Dominik Szoboszlai transforming the game into a statement performance packed with intensity, fluidity, and clinical finishing.

Fans and pundits react 👏.

Following Van Dijk’s confession, social media lighted up. A fellow supporter wrote: “Van Dijk’s leadership is unmatched — giving credit to the keeper shows pure class!” Another said, “Mamardashvili protected us while we were sleeping. “He completely deserves that award.”

Pundits mirrored the same, complimenting the 24-year-old Georgian goalie for his poise under pressure, fast reactions, and brave presence in one-on-one scenarios. Mamardashvili, who was signed as Alisson’s backup, is swiftly becoming a fan favorite, with teammates and spectators alike admiring and trusting him after his performance in Frankfurt.

A message of unity.

Van Dijk’s gift was more than just a show of kindness; it was a striking statement about Liverpool’s newfound unity and tenacity under Arne Slot.

After a difficult period of bad performance, the Reds suddenly looked like themselves: structured, calm, and ruthless. The 5-1 triumph was more than just about goals; it was about regaining faith.

As Van Dijk summarized, this Liverpool team is built on group work rather than individual honors. And on a night when the captain set the example, it was the man between the posts who actually kept the flame burning.

Liverpool is back—and, as Van Dijk made plain, Giorgi Mamardashvili deserves the credit.