Since arriving at PSG in January 2025 from Naples for 80 million euros, Kvaratskhelia has established a simple rule: the bigger the match, the better it is. Champions League, prestigious opponent, electric atmosphere, he is there every time. Last season, he was one of the architects of the club’s historic European title, notably scoring in the final against Inter (5-0). This season, the dynamic is even more beautiful. In C1, he has already been decisive 12 times, with 8 goals and 4 assists, the best record of the Parisian squad. Placed on the bench by Luis Enrique in the first leg against Chelsea, he came on during the game and responded with an assist and a double to swing the game (5-2).
Against Liverpool in the quarterfinals this Wednesday, he started. And the result was the same. In this match, Kvaratskhelia was everywhere. From the first half, he continued to put Liverpool in danger and the Reds never really mastered him. Proof in the 65th since on a perfect service from João Neves in the depth, he sealed the victory for his team. Resisting Gravenberch’s return, he dribbled past Mamardashvili in a gesture of absolute composure before feinting the last defenders and pushing the ball deep. 2-0, match folded. “I think we had the opportunities to score more. We should have scored more goals. But I think it’s good, we had a good match, we’re going to play at Anfield, in an incredible atmosphere. We are ready and we will prepare today for this return match”he reacted to the microphone of Canal+.
An investment model
What makes Kvaratskhelia even more impressive is that his performance wasn’t just about that goal. His defensive contribution on the left lane is simply astonishing and it allows Nuno Mendes on the one hand to be more dangerous offensively but also to be much less exposed defensively too. His volume of play, his defensive activity and his ability to transcend himself on European posters make him PSG’s number one asset in big shocks. Luis Enrique did not hide it at a press conference. “No, I think it’s the same Kvara (editor’s note: in the Champions League and Ligue 1), the same team. It’s normal, they are different competitions. Kvara is a very young player, but with a lot of experience. It’s okay to be more motivated. Not only Kvara, all the players, the whole team, and with a different mentality when you play the most important competition in Europe. It’s usual to see that and we’re happy to see this mentality. We are happy with the way we defended a very strong team like Liverpool all the time. I’m repeating myself, but I think we would have deserved to score at least one more goal.”launched the Parisian coach.
Wednesday evening at the Parc des Princes, Kvara showed that even without Barcola, he remained the leader of the Parisian attack and that he was capable of raising his level of play against the big guys. A trend confirmed since his arrival in Paris, he has been involved in 17 goals in the Champions League (11 goals, 6 assists) and no one in the squad is doing better. See you at Anfield next Tuesday for confirmation. But Luis Enrique can sleep soundly with a player of this level in big matches.
