Kvaratskhelia, if selected, will battle the likes of Lamine Yamal, Harry Kane, and Kylian Mbappé, among others, for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
By Kehinde Okeowo
Aston Villa manager Unai Emery has named Paris Saint-Germain winger Khvicha Kvaratskhelia as one of the favourites for this year’s Ballon d’Or, claiming: “He’s fantastic.”
The Spanish tactician made this known recently while speaking with journalists during his post-match press conference following Aston Villa’s 2-1 UEFA Super Cup defeat to PSG.
Kvaratskhelia thumped in a delightful 20th-minute opener for the French side before Villa’s Brian Madjo announced himself in fine style with a 45th-minute equaliser for the English team.
Désiré Doué then scored a 62nd-minute winner—after a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check for offside—to seal the victory for the Champions League holders in Salzburg.
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Reacting to Kvaratskhelia’s performance during the encounter played at the Red Bull Arena, Emery cited the impact the 25-year-old has made for both Napoli and PSG.
While acknowledging that he is not responsible for choosing the Ballon d’Or winner, the former Arsenal manager backed the Georgia international to win the award.
“Kvaratskhelia is the favourite to win the Ballon d’Or in my opinion. He is fantastic,” Emery said.
He added: “Of course, his impact was fantastic two years ago at Napoli and now at PSG. He was one of the best players who was not at the World Cup, and he is fit.
“The decision isn’t mine, but I think he can win this trophy.”
