Thierry Henry has claimed that reported Arsenal target Khvicha Kvaratskhelia reminds him of a prime Eden Hazard because of his ‘balance’ and ‘strength’.
The Napoli forward has been one of the standout players in Europe this season and he is backing it up, both in Serie A and the Champions League.
That was proven when Napoli eased past Eintracht Frankfurt and recorded a 5-0 aggregate win over the German side in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Kvaratskhelia is only 22, but he has the world at his feet, including admirers from the Premier League, such as Newcastle United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
English football is inflated with a stupid amount of cash and you can bet your bottom dollar that some of it will be thrown at the flying Georgian winger, who is taking Italy by storm.
Arsenal legend Thierry Henry explained why Kvaratskhelia is like a peak Hazard, after working with the Real Madrid forward at Belgium, as he told CBS Sports on Paramount+ (15/03/23 at 7:35 pm).
“Kvaratskhelia is special,” said Henry. “I saw him play once against Spain (in 2019) and I thought ‘that kid is not bad’ and the coach of the national team is Willy Sagnol.
“He said ‘I have a world-class player in my team’. I thought ‘what the hell is he talking about?!’. Well, nobody doubts what he said. What I like about him is he is scared of nobody and he has strength. Have some of my leg, and vision, and he can do it. Dribbling, passing or an early pass.
“Very Eden Hazard-like. He is brilliant. He can do anything. Press. Dribble and assist. The balance, composure and vision.
“I think he reminds me of Eden. Let’s give the big man his credit. I know he is struggling, at the minute. But he is strong on his legs. People don’t realise that. When you try to kick him. He stands and looks at you and tries to turn you. He reminds me of Eden, the way he balances it out. Play off that nine. Oh, the nine isn’t there? Then I go alone. I really like him.”
KVARATSKHELIA SHOULD STAY IN NAPLES
This is an incredible and unexpected team that is being built by Luciano Spalletti in Naples and it’s one that has every chance to win the Champions League this season, on top of their Serie A title.
From the dynamite duo of Kvaratskhelia and Victor Osimhen. To the unsung hero in the middle of the park, André-Frank Zambo Anguissa.
Then there is the underrated and energetic Giovanni Di Lorenzo, as well as the aggressive and all-action Kim Min-jae.
If your Napoli, yes the footballing world’s eyes and finances will be on these stars, but isn’t it better if the likes of Kvaratskhelia stay on board beyond this summer and build their legacy even further?
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