PROFILE | Saint-Étienne’s Zuriko Davitashvili belongs in Ligue 1 | OneFootball

While not as accustomed to the limelight, French football’s other Georgian winger is just as tricky and explosive as his compatriot in Paris. This year, Zuriko Davitashvili has been leading the way in Saint-Étienne’s bid to return to Ligue 1 at the first time of asking, which at the halfway point of the season appears to be more or less on track.

After a four-year spell playing in Russia, Davitashvili had returned to his native country in 2022 in the wake of the invasion of Ukraine. Along with fellow Dinamo Tbilisi academy graduate Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the winger spent the final months of the campaign in Batumi before moving to western Europe.

Over a two-year spell at Bordeaux, who were relegated from Ligue 1 the previous season,  Davitashvili was among the second tier’s main attractions. While frustratingly inconsistent, the Georgian was at times the team’s only viable attacking outlet. Given the chaotic context surrounding the Marine et blanc, with the club mired in financial trouble and ownership issues, his 14-goal haul was an impressive return.

With his mazy, head-down dribbles and inclination for long-range attempts, the stylistic comparisons between Davitashvili and his compatriot are easy to make. He managed nine goals and eight assists in the top flight last season, but was unable to prevent Les Verts from going back down after a final-day defeat to Toulouse. 

Saint-Étienne’s determination to keep Davitashvili to be tested once more?

Over the summer, the club’s North American ownership were adamant on keeping their prized attacking assets this summer, with Belgian striker Lucas Stassin also remaining despite interest from across the continent. With eight goals in his first half-season back in the second tier, Davitashvili has shown that he belongs in the top flight, with Saint-Étienne or not.

On the international stage, the 24-year-old passed the half-century mark in caps in a poor year for the Georgian team. After the high of their successful Euro 2024 appearance, Willy Sagnol’s men could only muster one win in their World Cup qualifying campaign this autumn. Davitashvili’s contributions included a goal in the opening defeat against Turkey and an assist in a 3-0 win over Bulgaria.

While the ten-time French champions were able to hold on to their wantaway winger for another few months, a January transfer is now looking increasingly likely. Davitashvili might not have the efficiency and consistency of his compatriot, but his ability to thrive at high levels is beyond doubt at this point.

GFFN | Raphael Jucobin