The prevailing view of this season`s revitalized Paris Saint-Germain squad often suggests a lack of truly world-class attacking superstars. While Ousmane Dembele`s presence already cast doubt on this assessment, the arrival of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia further challenges this narrative. The Georgian winger may not possess the same global brand recognition as previous high-profile additions, but in terms of sheer quality, he is undoubtedly worthy of following in the footsteps of players like Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe.
He could even prove to be more significant than those predecessors, particularly if he helps deliver the long-desired Champions League trophy. This outcome seems increasingly plausible after Tuesday`s crucial 1-0 victory against Arsenal. Should PSG finally achieve their primary objective, there will be a compelling case to argue that Kvaratskhelia is the most immediately impactful January signing in football history. While figures like Virgil van Dijk and Nemanja Vidic eventually went on to secure major honors, and Luis Suarez and Bruno Fernandes quickly made their marks in their respective leagues, none arguably had such a profound and instant effect on their team`s winning capabilities.
Considering the existing talent pool, led by Dembele and a strong midfield, a fascinating hypothetical question arises: could Luis Enrique`s side have reached the level of European champions without their $90 million January addition? This remains unknown. What is undeniable, however, is that Kvaratskhelia`s inclusion has dramatically lifted both the baseline performance and the potential ceiling of the French champions.
His influence was crystal clear during the match against Arsenal. Throughout the season, Arsenal`s right flank has felt like an impenetrable defense. Top wingers worldwide – including Vinicius Junior, Savinho, Luis Diaz, and even Kvaratskhelia`s PSG teammates earlier in the campaign – have struggled to find success against Jurrien Timber. While Mikel Arteta encourages winger support, he fundamentally relies on his fullbacks winning their one-on-one battles, which Timber nearly always does. Yet, no player has exposed Timber quite like Kvaratskhelia did.
In a mere ten minutes, Arsenal`s strategy shifted from urgently sending aid to Timber after Kvaratskhelia set up Dembele for the opener, to needing three players to try and contain the unpredictable Georgian. The result? A weaving run between two defenders, a desperate lunge from the right-back, and what should have been a penalty for PSG.
Kvaratskhelia had less sustained success as the game wore on, but his menace never faded. With 80 minutes played, even a double-team effort from Timber and Bukayo Saka couldn`t prevent him from shifting onto his right foot and unleashing a shot towards goal. Arsenal were simply fortunate that, for once, Kvaratskhelia`s technique momentarily faltered. They would be wise not to count on that happening frequently at the Parc des Princes.
This nearly complete dismantling of the opposition`s defense is the kind of performance that became commonplace since Kvaratskhelia`s arrival in Europe`s major leagues from Batumi in the summer of 2022. When Napoli signed their new No. 77, the most optimistic scenario seemed to be a season focused on securing Champions League qualification and perhaps challenging the Serie A giants in the final weeks. Instead, he unlocked new levels of potential for the Partenopei, a club that had long been trying to recapture the glory of their late 1990s heyday. Within a few games, his name was being whispered with awe in Italian football circles. Months later, it was being shouted from the rooftops.
There`s a good reason he was nicknamed “Kvaradona” well before he ended Napoli`s long wait for their third Scudetto. (As a side note: without going full pundit, one wonders if Kvaratskhelia might have received more Ballon d`Or votes in 2023, when keepers like Yassine Bounou and Emiliano Martinez outpolled arguably the best player in Italy, if he had hailed from a more traditionally dominant footballing nation).
Like Diego Maradona, he`s a player who gets fans on their feet whenever he has the ball. His cutting runs often result in spectacular final products – whether it`s a powerful shot into the top corner against Martinez in the Champions League quarter-final or a beautiful chip over the Bologna defense to assist Giovanni Di Lorenzo in his final days in Naples.
Kvaratskhelia has already captivated the hearts of one of Europe`s most passionate fanbases and seems well on his way to winning over another. Within weeks, Parisians were chanting to the tune of the “Kvara” drumbeat. By embracing him so quickly, they significantly eased what could have been a challenging mid-season transfer for such a distinctive talent.
Kvaratskhelia himself commented, “`The fact that they welcomed me into the family so quickly and that I felt really happy and comfortable really helped me find my place on the pitch, and I`m doing my best to make the most of it,` said Kvaratskhelia. `From the very first moment, I felt strong support from the fans. Then, when I stepped onto the pitch, I felt both happy and like a great footballer.`”
And that is precisely what he is. While his dribbling style evokes the flair of a bygone era, his contributions without the ball represent the future of modern wingers. This is what separates him from past PSG stars like Neymar and a post-prime Messi, who were sometimes afforded more freedom. Against Arsenal, he completed five tackles, led his team in interceptions and recoveries, and even contributed defensive clearances within his own box.
It`s difficult to shake the feeling that if Arsenal, who have long been in the market for a left winger, had made a significant move for Kvaratskhelia this winter, they might now be the team looking like a top contender at the semi-final stage. They never came close once Napoli decided it was time to part ways with their star player, with PSG`s groundwork laid in the summer coming to fruition rapidly during the mid-season transfer window.
That $90 million fee is proving to be exceptionally well spent. PSG paid for a superstar, acquired a superstar talent, and may well discover soon that they have finally won the trophy befitting of a super team. Without Kvaratskhelia, that might never have happened.
