Napoli struck transfer jackpot with the signing of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia last summer, so far profiting off the Georgian’s exceptional performances that have propelled the club to the summit of domestic and continental standings.
Despite starting out fantastically in Serie A, it was during the clash against Liverpool on the opening UEFA Champions League matchday that the playmaker really burst into the spotlight.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia's #UCL debut by numbers vs. Liverpool:
57 minutes
7 touches in the opp. box
7 take-ons attempted
4 take-ons completed
4 duels won
3 chances created
3 shots
1 assistKvaradona had them on toast. ? pic.twitter.com/hiswPOiyXT
— Squawka (@Squawka) September 7, 2022
Speaking to Crocbet (via Liverpool Echo) in an exclusive interview, Kvaratskhelia detailed how hearing the UCL anthem before kick-off pushed him to perform to the best of his abilities.
“When I listened to the theme tune as a kid, I never thought I would experience it live on the pitch. My first dream was to play in the Champions League, as hearing that anthem pumps you up like nothing else. I felt it so strongly in that first game against Liverpool and I think it really helped.”
Despite putting on a tour de force performance, the ex-Rubin Kazan believes he didn’t do enough in the 4-1 victory at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona.
“After every game, my first thought is that I didn’t do enough, that I am missing something. I have achieved nothing yet, there’s a long road ahead of me and I want to make the fans happy while realising my dreams.”
Team Separation
Napoli 4-1 Liverpool, 7th September 2022, UEFA Champions LeagueJust look at the distance between Napoli's centre backs and Victor Osimhen
Also highlighted: the amount of value Khvicha Kvaratskhelia generated in this game pic.twitter.com/WA2R6cICx4
— StatsBomb (@StatsBomb) October 17, 2022
Kvaratskhelia has played a significant role in Napoli’s superb winning streak this season, remaining unbeaten in Serie A after 15 matchdays. The Partenopei have tasted just one defeat this season, in the final group stage match against the Reds at Anfield. However, they still topped Group A ahead of Liverpool on goal difference.
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