Swisher discusses malbsMd–NertZ swap and its implications for Liquid and G2

Swisher discusses malbsMd–NertZ swap and its implications for Liquid and G2

The recent roster exchange between Team Liquid and G2 has become one of the most talked-about moves in Counter-Strike 2 in recent weeks. In a rare direct trade, Liquid acquired Mario “malbsMd” Samayoa from G2 while sending Guy “NertZ” Iluz in the opposite direction. The move was discussed in depth during the latest episode of the Fans Come Here podcast, where M80 player Michael “Swisher” Schmid — a former teammate of malbsMd — shared his perspective on the change and its potential impact on both organizations. 

The swap comes at a critical time for both teams, each looking to address roster issues and stabilize their performances after a series of disappointing results. For Liquid, the deal carries additional strategic value beyond the player exchange itself. By adding malbsMd, the team regains an American core, which has important implications for the Valve Regional Standings (VRS) system and qualification for the upcoming Major. Liquid had been at risk of missing out on the IEM Cologne Major due to their European ranking position, but returning to an Americas lineup places them back in a qualifying position in the regional standings. 

From a competitive standpoint, Liquid are hoping that malbsMd’s aggressive rifling style will bring renewed firepower to their lineup. The 23-year-old Guatemalan player previously made a strong impact during his time with G2, especially early in his tenure with the organization. In fact, he finished 2024 as the 12th-best player in the world according to HLTV rankings. However, his form declined following significant roster changes within G2, particularly after the departures of star players such as Nikola “NiKo” Kovač and Ilya “m0NESY” Osipov, which forced malbsMd into roles with greater responsibility. Since the start of 2025 his statistical output dropped noticeably, including a rating around 1.02 in early 2026. 

Swisher, who played alongside malbsMd during their time together on M80, spoke about the player’s development and mindset since those days. According to him, malbsMd has matured significantly as a competitor and has grown more disciplined in his approach to the game. Swisher believes that the Guatemalan rifler’s confidence and mechanical skill still give him a high ceiling, and a new environment could help him rediscover the form that once made him one of the most exciting young talents in the scene. 

On the other side of the trade, G2 have welcomed NertZ as they attempt to return to the level that saw them win major international events, including BLAST Open London last year. The Israeli rifler joins a lineup that includes Nemanja “huNter-” Kovač, Matúš “MATYS” Šimko, Nikita “HeavyGod” Martynenko, and Álvaro “SunPayus” García, with Eetu “sAw” Saha serving as coach.

The move reunites NertZ with coach sAw and AWPer SunPayus, both of whom he previously worked with during his time in ENCE. That prior chemistry could play a significant role in helping the player regain the form he displayed during his breakout period in 2023, when he was named HLTV’s Rookie of the Year and ranked among the world’s top players. However, his stint with Liquid did not reach the same heights, as his rating dropped to around 1.05 compared with the 1.13 he posted during his earlier success with ENCE. 

Both teams will now need to integrate their new players quickly. Due to the Major qualification rules, each roster must play a minimum number of official matches before the cutoff date to ensure eligibility. As a result, G2 and Liquid are expected to participate in several smaller events and tournaments in the coming weeks in order to secure the required matches with their finalized lineups. 

While the trade has been described as potentially beneficial for both organizations, its long-term success will largely depend on whether the two players can rediscover their peak form. For Liquid, malbsMd represents a chance to strengthen their firepower while solving regional eligibility issues. For G2, NertZ provides a consistent rifler with existing connections inside the team structure.

As Swisher noted during the podcast discussion, the move could end up being a “win-win” situation if both players manage to bounce back in their new environments. However, with both teams currently under pressure to improve results, the real verdict on the swap will only become clear once the lineups begin competing together on stage.