Kvaratskhelia had started the season with the expected signs of a player set to carry PSG's attack. Scoring as early as the 20th minute against Aston Villa in the European Super Cup, the Georgian had immediately made an impression. A trophy and a goal to launch his 2026-2027 campaign.
But since then, the momentum has cooled.
In Ligue 1, Kvaratskhelia has played in the first five matchdays. He has one assist, but still no goal in the league. More importantly, his offensive influence appears more intermittent. A starter in the first four matchdays, he was substituted every time before the end of the match. Against OM, Luis Enrique took him off again in the 59th minute.
Kvaratskhelia must regain his impact
The Classique illustrates this situation. On the left flank, Kvaratskhelia took part in Paris' moves and found himself on the receiving end of several promising situations after the break. His superb flick from a Dembélé lay-off could even have opened the scoring, but it clipped the post.
A few minutes later, he made way for Ferran Torres. The Spaniard opened the scoring in the 66th minute, seven minutes after coming on. Paris ultimately won 2-1 thanks to Marquinhos' goal.
The contrast is inevitably noted. Kvaratskhelia had finished the previous season with a strong imprint on PSG's European campaign. This time, his start to the season leaves more of an impression of waiting.
It would, however, be premature to see this as an established problem. The Georgian remains a starter in the big matches and retains Luis Enrique's trust. His goal against Aston Villa also serves as a reminder that he still has the ability to turn a match around with a single action.
The issue, then, is not yet Kvaratskhelia's place in the starting eleven. It is his influence. In Paris, they are now waiting for the number 7 to become once again the player capable of making his left flank a permanent weapon.
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