Liverpool head to Naples next week as they get their 22/23 Champions League campaign underway.
Not the easiest of starts for Jurgen Klopp’s side. They’re without a win in the two visits they’ve taken to the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona since 2018.
That’s not the most promising of stats as Liverpool look to make it all the way in the competition once again. But regardless of what happens against Napoli, Liverpool can scout one of their most promising players.
While Victor Osimhen is perhaps the headliner these days, Liverpool should take a closer look at Khvicha Kvaratskhelia.
A new star is born in Naples
It’s been well publicised that Liverpool were convinced to sign Darwin Nunez after his two performances against them last year. Jurgen Klopp liked what he saw from Darwin and felt he would be the perfect addition to his squad.
That will give any player facing Liverpool added incentive to make a splash.
In Kvaratskhelia’s case, that could mean bad news for Liverpool. The 21-year-old was a relative unknown after arriving at Napoli from his native Georgia this summer. It’s safe to say that he isn’t anymore.
His first two games at Napoli brought three goals. Firstly, he scored a header on his debut. A goal which was described as being ‘amazing’ by Luciano Spalletti via Tribal Football.
The week after, he went one better. Having already scored a curling screamer on his right foot, he turned the Monza defence inside before firing a finish in with his left.
‘Kvaradona’ one to watch for Liverpool
Watching the goals, and his general play, it’s easy to see why Fabio Capello said the winger reminds him of a young Mohamed Salah.
If those comparisons weren’t enough, The Athletic report that he has already been nicknamed ‘Kvaradona’ in Naples. Lofty expectations indeed.
Still young, Kvaratskhelia should be given time to grow into those comparisons. But he’ll be one to watch next Wednesday all the same.
Fascinatingly, he has previously spoken of his ‘interest’ at working with Jurgen Klopp. If he does well next week, he could put himself firmly on The Reds’ radar for future transfer windows.
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