In a recent interview with Grosvenor Sport (via Shields Gazette), Jose Enrique urged his former club Newcastle United to land Napoli talent Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this summer. Enrique said,
“I think if Newcastle are able to sign Khvicha Kvaratskhelia for £82 million then they should go all out for him. He is a world-class player and he is a game-changer. He is the kind of player that you enjoy watching as a fan.
“With his skills and in one-on-one situations he reminds me a little bit of Allan Saint-Maximin because he has that kind of talent, but his work rate and defensive effort is also fantastic and he doesn’t stop running. Saint-Maximin has always been a bit lacking in numbers of goals and assists and Kvaratskhelia does have those numbers as a winger, so I think if Newcastle are able to sign him then they shouldn’t go for anyone else in that position.
“It would be a world-class signing on the level of Bruno Guimaraes in the middle but in the attacking position, he’s that kind of game-changing player and he would be a top-rate transfer.”
Kvaratskhelia’s Excellent Form In Italian Football
Kvaratskhelia had a brilliant campaign at Naples as he banged in 14 goals and grabbed 17 assists in 43 matches for the Italian club in various competitions.
The Georgian sensation did well to average 2.5 shots, 1.6 key passes and 2.2 dribbles per 90 minutes in Serie A football. He was even tidy when distributing possession in the opponent’s half based on his pass success rate of 83.7% in the Italian first division (stats via whoscored)
Is Kvaratskhelia A Dream Signing For Newcastle United Boss Eddie Howe?
Kvaratskhelia is a great dribbler with the ball and has got the eye to play a few decisive passes on the attacking end of the pitch. He can shoot the ball with power and accuracy from long range. The Georgia international deserves a ton of credit for scoring and creating his fair share of goals for Napoli last season. He is a tidy passer of the ball as well.
There is no denying that someone with Kvaratskhelia’s quality and skillset will be a dream signing for the Magpies this summer. He would even be a decent replacement for Allan Saint-Maximin at the Tyneside club.
The Georgian sensation would add a lot of goals and creativity to Newcastle boss Eddie Howe’s attack. He could even help the Magpies compete for some major trophies over the next few years.