How Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is leading Napoli's charge for Serie A title

The youngster has been in top form with the Italian and is almost close to lifting the title.

The Young talent - Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is much appreciated when it comes to footballing greats and this sensation from Georgia has already taken the world aback by storm. No wonder Napoli are bossing the Serie A 2022-2023 campaign and Kvaratskhelia’s services have been much vital to Luciano Spalletti’s side. His services were rendered by the team from Naples when they went in and made a bargain to get him onboard from Dinamo Batumi for a reported fee of around 10-12 million.

A regular starter in the first XI, he plays from the left wing in Luciano Spalletti's 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 systems, Kvaratskhelia has been virtually unplayable at times. He boasts a searing pace, and brilliant dribbling and loves to attack and drive at the opposition. Nicknamed “Kvaradona” after the great footballing legend Diego Maradona, it is quite a feat for him at his early stage of development to have received such an honourable nickname after one of the greats. Napoli are a team with many goal-scoring options in their ranks and he arrived in this club with many competitors but he has certainly proved his worth up until now.

Prior Experience

The 21-year-old from Georgia is still very much in the early stages of his career but he has already represented clubs from Russia and Ukraine and Italy at just this age. Beginning his senior career at Dinamo Tbilisi in 2017, before joining Rustavi one year later. After having a brief stint at Lokomotiv Moscow, he signed a five-year deal with Russian side Rubin Kazan on July 6, 2019.

Following his departure, then Lokomotiv Moscow manager Yuri Semin expressed some bittersweet comments and was dissatisfied because they could not hold on to him for a long-term deal. His potential came into true colours when he first appeared for Rubin Kazan on July 15 against former club Lokomotiv Moscow and scored the equalizer in a 1-1 draw. He was a fan favourite among the Rubin faithful and his market value increased five times in just a year. He scored 9 times in 69 appearances for them.

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, foreign players in Russia could unilaterally suspend their contracts until 30 June and were allowed to sign with clubs outside of Russia until the same date. He signed for Georgian Club Dinamo Batumi on the same day and scored 8 eight goals for them in just 11 appearances.

His breakthrough moment arrived when Napoli confirmed the signing of him from Dinamo Batumi on 1st July 2022 for a deal lasting until 2027 for a reported fee of around €10-12 million. He has been a revitalizing factor in Spalletti’s side, scoring 7 goals and having 7 assists in just 15 appearances for the team from Naples.

Type of Player

Speed and agility are two important physical attributes which Kvaratskhelia leverages to create valuable opportunities, both while taking on opponents and while attacking the space behind the opposition’s defensive line. Kvaratskhelia is a rapid and skilful winger who excels not just in dribbling but also in shooting and in chance creation. On top of his athletic and technical skills, the Georgian always seems very focused and ready to pounce at the first chance he gets. His drive and competitive spirit are coupled with humility and a strong aptitude towards self-improvement. In this sense, Spalletti has already publicly praised his efforts.

Clearly, he is a player who isn’t afraid to take risks. His ability in beating his man, especially during offensive transitions, puts him among the players with the most dribbles completed (albeit with many attempts and a relatively low success rate). Kvaratskhelia's unique technical quality, eye for goal and ability to glide past opposition players with ease makes him the complete package. So far, it has been difficult to spot any weaknesses in his game.

What does he bring to the team?

Napoli may have headed into this campaign following the departure of captain Lorenzo Insigne, vice-captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Dries Mertens, the club’s record goalscorer, but the retention of Victor Osimhen and the arrival of Giovanni Simeone, Giacomo Raspadori and Tanguy Ndombele have certainly boosted their ranks and given an uplift to their side.

After only racking up 20 hours of football for the club so far, the fact Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is already drawing comparisons with the legendary Diego Maradona tells you all you need to know about his impact at Napoli.

Being mentioned in the same breath as Maradona, a God in Naples and the greatest footballer of all time to many would be an immense compliment for the most decorated and seasoned of players. Let alone a 21-year-old rookie with three months of experience in one of Europe's top five leagues.