Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has become something of an instant sensation in Serie A. Joining from Dinamo Batumi, the Georgian midfielder has faced the tremendous task of replacing Napolitan legend Lorenzo Insigne.
So far the new addition’s stats have been great. Here’s what Kvaratskhelia brings to Napoli’s style of play, and why you should consider him for your fantacalcio squad each week.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia‘s pre-Napoli career
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia may have been largely unknown to Italian football audiences before his Napoli debut in 2022. The transfer that brought him to Serie A left many Gli Azzuri fans scratching their heads. How could this recruitment strategy help replace players like Insigne, Dries Mertens, or Kalidou Koulibaly, all of who had departed Naples during this summer? It turned out though to be a piece of shrewd recruitment. The same can be said about the other new additions: Leo Ösirgard and Kim Min-Jae.
Kvaratskhelia is only 21 years old but has already represented two of the biggest clubs in Russia, Lokomotiv Moscow and Rubin Kazan. After terminating his contract with Rubin he played shortly for Dinamo Batumi in his native Georgia. Napoli made a surprise transfer offer of €10–12 million in 2022 which brought him to the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s stats in the 2022 Serie A season
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia’s impact on Napoli has been immediate and has helped the club to a dream start to the season. The midfielder has played all six games of the Serie A season. He has scored, so far, four goals and provided one assist.
What type of player is Kvaratskhelia? At the moment, he appears to be the complete package. He is naturally a left winger, but is comfortable in several positions, including as a forward. His passing, dribbling skills, crosses, and long shots are very impressive.
He registers 0.49 xG (expected goals) per 90 minutes, second only to Victor Osimhen in Napoli’s squad. He has 0.25 xA (expected assists). The Georgian has been the Serie A side’s most consistent performer so far, particularly shining in the team’s victories over Monza and Lazio.
Are Napoli contenders for the 2023 Scudetto?
Napoli were long-shot contenders for the Serie A crown last year. Still, they lead the race until the final weeks of the competition. This year promised a year of reset for the Partenopei. The massive changes to the squad could not be ignored.
However, the recruitment policy and Luciano Spalletti’s involvement have, once again, defied expectations. Napoli has started out the season strongly with the 4-1 victory over Liverpool set to remain a particular highlight.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is leading the way, and there’s a sense of excitement for a player that could prove to be one of Europe’s brightest young stars. It’s still early in the season, of course. However, this handful of matches are set to remain with Goergian and Napoli football fans for a very long time.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is a player that you should have on your radar. What does your fantasy football squad look like in FootballCoin? Create your free, daily team and get ready to win important cryptocurrency. prizes.
