It is a season to forget for defending Serie A champions Napoli. After winning the title last season, the team has witnessed a massive dip in their form. They are sitting outside the European places. Currently playing under their third manager this season, Napoli needs to find a winning formula. Big players need to step up their game.
One player who was a standout in the title-winning season was Georgian winger, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. In his debut Serie A season, the 23-year-old won the Scudetto. However, Napoli’s struggles have affected Khvicha’s performances on the field. He is slowly getting back to his best and has been on a good run since February. Let’s take a look at how this speedster can take Napoli to Europe.
Napoli’s focal point of attack
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is a very attack-minded player and has a direct approach to his game. He has the speed and skills to beat the top-ranked defenders. In the current season, Khvicha averages 5.4 progressive runs per 90 minutes. The above visual shows the runs made by the winger in the last seven games. Most of these runs are direct and a few are made to stretch the defence. A 58% dribbling success rate makes him a threat to any opposition.
The above plot analyzes a player’s dribbling frequency and success rate, highlighting their capability to penetrate defences and create opportunities. Kvaratskhelia is rated among the best players in the Serie A. In addition to this, the forward wins around 2.6 fouls per 90 minutes. These include some crucial free-kick wins in the final third.
Another key factor in the Georgian’s game is his ability to recover the ball in attacking areas. These include more counter-pressing recoveries and a few dangerous recoveries as well. The 23-year-old makes around three recoveries in the attacking half and most of them are made because of his high-pressing ability.
Creativity and more
After creating 10 goals in his debut Serie A season, the youngster has four in the current one. Khvicha provided his third assist in September. Since then, he has been in a drought for almost five months. Against Sassuolo, he created his fourth assist. The forward averages 35.7 passes per 90 minutes and has an accuracy rate of 85%. However, only 2.6 passes are attempted to the opposition penalty box. Kvaratskhelia’s ability to run at defenders allows him to get into dangerous areas inside the penalty box and he can deliver some good low crosses.
This plot reflects the player’s skill in delivering precise passes into the penalty area, a critical aspect of breaking down defences. The Georgian is rated for delivering these passes but has not made as many attempts. He will look to create more chances in the remaining games.
Napoli will hope that the 23-year-old delivers more after the March international break. They need their star players in top form.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine