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Khvicha Kvaratskhelia has quickly become one of the most exciting young footballers in the world. With his dazzling dribbles, incredible vision, and goal-scoring ability, he has established himself as a key player for both club and country. While he is widely recognized for his performances on the left wing, many fans wonder: can Kvaratskhelia play as a right winger? Let's break it down.
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Kvaratskhelia’s Preferred Position
Kvaratskhelia is best known for his role as a left winger, where he thrives as an inverted winger. This means that, despite playing on the left side, he often cuts inside onto his stronger right foot to take shots or create opportunities. This playing style allows him to be unpredictable, making him a nightmare for defenders.
At Napoli, he became a key figure on the left flank, playing a crucial role in their Serie A-winning season. His ability to drive at defenders, dribble in tight spaces, and unleash powerful shots has made him one of the most dangerous wingers in the game.
Can He Play as a Right Winger?
While Kvaratskhelia is most comfortable on the left, he can play as a right winger if needed. However, there are some key factors to consider:
1. Strengths as a Right Winger
Dribbling Ability: His close control and quick feet make him a threat on either flank. Even on the right side, he can beat defenders and create space.
Two-Footed Ability: Although he prefers his right foot, he is also capable of using his left foot for crosses and short passes.
Creativity: His vision and ability to pick out teammates can still be effective from the right wing, especially when delivering low-driven crosses or cutting inside for key passes.
2. Challenges on the Right Wing
Limited Cutting Inside: On the left wing, Kvaratskhelia often cuts inside onto his stronger right foot. Playing on the right may force him to stay wider or cross with his weaker left foot, reducing his effectiveness.
Different Role: Right wingers often need to provide width, deliver early crosses, and take on defenders differently. This may not suit his natural instincts as much as his preferred role on the left.
Less Goal Threat: Since he wouldn’t be able to cut inside and shoot as easily, his goal-scoring opportunities might decrease.
Suggested:
Has He Played on the Right Wing Before?
Yes, Kvaratskhelia has occasionally been deployed on the right flank, but it has not been his primary position. Coaches have sometimes used him there for tactical reasons, such as when the team needs more balance or to exploit a specific weakness in the opposition’s defense. However, he usually performs better when allowed to operate freely from the left.
At Napoli, he rarely played on the right, as the team’s tactics were built around his influence on the left side. Even after his move to Paris Saint-Germain, he has continued to play primarily on the left, reinforcing the idea that it is his most natural and effective position.
How Does He Compare to Other Right Wingers?
When looking at the best right wingers in the world, such as Mohamed Salah, Bukayo Saka, and Ousmane Dembélé, they all have certain characteristics that make them perfect for that position:
Left-footed players on the right flank: Most world-class right wingers are left-footed, allowing them to cut inside and shoot. Kvaratskhelia, being right-footed, would not have the same advantage.
Crossing ability: Many right wingers are great crossers of the ball. Since Kvaratskhelia prefers cutting inside rather than whipping in crosses, he wouldn’t be as effective in that role.
Goal-scoring instinct: Right wingers who score frequently, like Salah, use their positioning and shooting ability to cut inside and finish. While Kvaratskhelia is a great finisher, he does it more naturally from the left side.
Would He Succeed on the Right Wing?
Kvaratskhelia is a talented and intelligent footballer, so he could adapt to playing on the right wing if needed. However, he would have to adjust his style:
Focus more on crossing with his left foot.
Improve his ability to drive towards the byline instead of cutting inside.
Work on creating goal-scoring chances for teammates rather than taking as many shots himself.
While he could be an above-average right winger, he excels as a left winger. Coaches will likely continue using him in his natural position to maximize his impact on the game.
The Best Way to Use Kvaratskhelia
To get the most out of Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, he should play:
As a left winger in a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation.
With freedom to drift inside, linking up with the striker and midfielders.
With attacking full-backs behind him, so he doesn’t have to stay wide all the time.
If a coach absolutely needs him on the right wing, he can still contribute, but his effectiveness might be slightly reduced.
Final Verdict: Should Kvaratskhelia Play as a Right Winger?
While Kvaratskhelia can play as a right winger, it is not his best position. His natural strengths—dribbling, cutting inside, and scoring—are far more suited to the left wing. If a team has no other option, he could fill in on the right, but his impact would likely be less than what he offers from the left.
For any team that wants to get the best out of him, keeping him on the left flank is the smartest choice. This is where he can truly shine, creating moments of magic and continuing to prove why he is one of the most exciting players in world football today.
So, can Kvaratskhelia play right wing? Yes. But should he? Probably not.
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