Stopping Kvaratskhelia is key to Bayern's chances against PSG in Champions League semifinal

High comparisons

Napoli fans affectionately nicknamed him “Kvaradona” in reference to Diego Maradona, the club’s greatest-ever player. He paid homage to Maradona in a farewell video posted to his fans when he left Napoli. “Yes, people called me that (Kvaradona) in the street in Napoli. It’s always a pleasure to be compared to one of the best in the game,” Kvaratskhelia said. “It is also difficult to be compared to Maradona because you have to show it each time you are on the pitch.”

Ice-cool finisher

Kvaratskhelia's goal celebration, where he slides on his knees and taps the inside of his arm with his fingers, signifies “ice in my veins” — which means showing great composure when shooting. Kvaratskhelia’s arrival from Napoli in the January transfer window last season coincided with Dembélé's rise in form and kick-started the club's run to a first Champions League trophy. “I don’t have to work hard with Dembele. He is capable of doing everything on the pitch and he makes my job easier,” Kvaratskhelia said. “That’s why he won the Ballon d’Or and I think he can win many more.”

Second time lucky

Enrique signed him at the second attempt and it's now obvious why he was so keen to do so. Aside from his dribbling, crossing and shooting from distance, Kvaratskhelia is also incredibly hard-working in defense, constantly tracking back and tackling. Effectively, this gives PSG two players in one: a superb winger who defends remarkably well as a makeshift fullback. “I have really improved in defense with Luis (Enrique),” Kvaratskhelia said. “In this team we need to defend like proper defenders.” \\\_ AP soccer: