Paris Saint-Germain winger Kvhicha Kvaratskhelia, 24, has fascinated fans since his arrival at the club. In L’Équipe, Sidney Govou highlights the rare unanimity enjoyed by the Georgian, both with the public and the Parisian dressing room, a phenomenon that raises questions about the evolution of admiration criteria in modern soccer.
Govou “It’s rare for players with this profile to appeal as much to the general public as they do to the dressing room”.
“I feel closer to him than to a striker. It’s rare that players of this profile appeal as much to the general public as to the dressing room, which adores them. Perhaps this is a sign that things are changing.
The fact that the other PSG strikers have stats, moreover, means that he is not judged on his goals, but rather on his fighting spirit, which others may have, but which is very valuable when it comes from a player of his profile. In any case, I’m admiring.”
Sidney Govou’s analysis in L’Équipe highlights a singular aspect of Kvaratskhelia’s time at Paris Saint-Germain: his ability to unite fans and team-mates alike, a rare feat for a player of his profile.
Unlike other PSG strikers, who are often judged on the basis of their statistics, the Georgian’s commitment, defensive generosity and authentic style of play have won him over. Govou, who recognizes himself in this type of player, believes that Kvaratskhelia’s recognition may mark a turning point in the way strikers are perceived: collective impact and fighting spirit now take precedence over numbers.
