WhoScored Scout Report: The Khvicha Kvaratskhelia stats that reinforce Liverpool's transfer interest

 

“That's what is happening now. Nine out of 10 times, 99 times out of 100 times, at the end of the window it becomes clear almost all of these stories weren't true.” Arne Slot remained tight-lipped when quizzed on rumours linking Liverpool with a move for Napoli winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia this month. 

 

Reports on Thursday suggested that the Naples side were willing to sanction the Georgian’s sale in the winter window as negotiations between player and club over a new contract stalled. PSG are viewed as the frontrunners to sign Kvaratskhelia should Napoli indeed cash in on the former Rubin Kazan man, but if there is a chance for Liverpool to land the 23-year-old; then it’s one they should be taking. 

 

 

Granted, there are other areas of concerns for the club. Trent Alexander-Arnold, Virgil van Dijk and Mohamed Salah are all out of contract in the summer, while injury to Joe Gomez leaves Slot one centre-back short at present. And yet, ‘Kvaradona’ would be a fine addition on the left flank of this Liverpool attack. 

 

What’s been obvious for Liverpool for years now is the way they utilise their wingers. Mohamed Salah on the right and one of Cody Gakpo or Luis Diaz, and Sadio Mane before them, like to cut onto their stronger foot from their respective flank to go for goal. Jurgen Klopp utilised this approach in his favoured 4-3-3 setup, and Slot implements similar in a 4-2-3-1 formation. 

 

 

The aim is to free up the space for the full-backs to exploit as another way of stretching defences. In this instance, though, the threat from the left from Kvaratskhelia is a little different to that of Diaz and Gakpo. While the latter duo are primarily right footed, the former is comfortable with both feet. The Georgia international does, like the current Reds pair, prefer his right foot, but the ability to perform to a high standard with his left brings about an air of unpredictability that could be exploited by Liverpool and Slot. 

 

Standing at 6’0, too, Kvaratskhelia is also stockier than traditional wingers, which would help adjust to English football. The two-footedness to his game aids Kvaratskhelia when it comes to getting the better of markers. While this quality has at times been found wanting in Serie A this season – he’s second for attempted dribbles (72) but has completed just 19 – he’s also proven adept at winning set-pieces for his side in that he has been fouled the 12th most times (33) in Italy’s top tier this term. Defenders are going to any lengths to minimise his impact.

 

 

Even so, Kvaratskhelia’s end product has still been of a high standard. 28 goalscoring chances created ranks sixth in Serie A this season, and though this has translated to just three assists; that says more about his teammates’ failure to tuck away the chances presented to them by the Napoli man. 

 

Considering  Kvaratskhelia’s style of play, he’d suit a Liverpool side that does look to maximise counter-attacking opportunities. Only Tottenham (10) have scored more counter-attacking goals than Liverpool (9) in the Premier League this season as they look to utilise quick transitions to turn defence into attack. 

 

While a January deal would appear tricky on paper given PSG’s interest, if a player of Kvaratskhelia’s calibre is on the market, then he’s an attacker Liverpool should be targeting. They have previously shown a reluctance to strengthen in the New Year unless the right opportunity presents itself, which it did for the signings of Gakpo from PSV and Diaz from Porto in years gone by. 

 

Slot stated: “99 times out of 100 times, at the end of the window it becomes clear almost all of these stories weren't true.” Liverpool fans may just be hoping this one story is fact rather than fiction. Kvaratskhelia has seen a dip in performance levels following back-to-back campaigns that saw him dubbed ‘Kvaradona’ yet he remains one of the most effective wingers on the continent. The changeable approach to his game could provide the alternative attacking outlet Slot needs to enjoy a trophy-laden debut campaign at Anfield.

WhoScored Scout Report: The Khvicha Kvaratskhelia stats that reinforce Liverpool's transfer interest