We’ve yet to see the real Kvaratskhelia at PSG, but the promise is there

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·6 marzo 2026

We’ve yet to see the real Kvaratskhelia at PSG, but the promise is there

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, the 25-year-old Georgian forward who joined Paris Saint-Germain from Napoli in January 2025, was in the spotlight in L’Equipe this Friday. It was an opportunity to ask his former teammate and friend Cyril Ngonge (25-year-old right winger loaned by Napoli to RCD Espanyol) for his thoughts on Khvicha’s Parisian adventure and what’s next.

“A lot of people would love to have his first year at PSG, wouldn’t they?”

“Would you say we’ve seen his true self? I think he made a huge impact last season. It’s not easy; you arrive in a new league, in a new club environment… A lot of people would love to have his first year at PSG, wouldn’t they? He loves his coach (Luis Enrique), who tries to bring out his qualities. But Khvicha, he just turned 25, we’re going to see a lot more from him in the future.

“He told me, with a smile: ‘I’m not moving.’”

How does he feel in his daily life in Paris and at the club? People don’t know him well, but Khvicha is a real homebody. He’s very family-oriented. He doesn’t go out much. I asked him if he wanted to stay in Paris for a long time, and he told me, with a smile: ‘I’m not moving.’ But with Khvicha, you can tell when he’s not feeling good. In Naples, the last few months were tough. Here, I feel he’s thriving. I know he’s happy. Does he seem frustrated on the right? That’s a normal analysis. Right-footed players like to cut inside onto their stronger foot. And vice versa. But you’re in a club where you have (Ousmane) Dembélé, (Désiré) Doué, (Bradley) Barcola, Lee Kang-in… They’d all probably like to play on their opposite foot too. But there’s a coach who has to find balance. It’s true he might be more effective on the left, but that’s the price you pay at a big club. You have a “world class” locker room where everyone needs to feel good, and the coach has to make decisions. And Khvicha respects that.

“You’ve only seen 50% so far. You’re going to love it like I do”

What do you think about the comments regarding his individualism? He knows how to score and set up goals. In teams like this, there’s always a bit of individualism, right? Every great player has a bit of that. Khvicha is one of them. Sometimes I see him try shots from 35 meters and I’m surprised, but he knows it can work. He has great self-confidence. But it’s a confidence he’s built. He’s someone who works incredibly hard every day, with his physio, his trainers… That confidence shows in one-on-ones, where you need it. But it’s never stopped him from making passes. He’s a player who’s a joy to watch. You’ve only seen 50% so far. You’re going to love it like I do (laughs).”

Indeed, Kvaratskhelia’s first year at PSG has been of a very high level. Some people forget, since the Georgian started particularly strong, but an adaptation period is logical. And it’s been especially unique in a very busy 2025, with a whole squad lacking preparation for this 2025-2026 season.

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It’s probably even harder to fully express yourself at first in this team set up by coach Luis Enrique. The team becomes especially strong once all its fluidity is integrated, but before that, you have to really understand all the movements and make them second nature. There’s also the versatility the coach develops and the competition.

Kvaratskhelia isn’t the only great forward in the squad, nor the only one who’s especially comfortable on the left wing. You have to adapt to all these factors. The Georgian does so without complaining. He fights and gives his all to help the team. Sometimes, he makes individualistic choices and goes for the shot. That can be annoying at times, but it’s also how players can make a difference. You have to try things. The Georgian is particularly strong at dribbling and shooting, so it makes sense to rely on that.

Now, he still needs to work on finding the right balance. That also comes with developing chemistry with his teammates. He still has time to progress. The potential is already very clear, and we hope to see him grow in Paris, just as Ngonge predicted.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.