The UEFA European Championship 2024 produced some of the most entertaining matches. All nations gave their best to become the champions of Europe. Tournaments like these also form a platform for some players to showcase their talent. Scouts from top clubs are often present in the matches. A good performance in the tournament might open the door for a move to a big club.
Georgia made their debut in a major tournament. There weren’t a lot of expectations from the team but a few players carried the nation’s hopes. Khvicha Kvaratskhelia was their main man. He was supported by none other than Georges Mikautadze. The former Ajax striker is one of the finest players to come out of Georgia. He was on loan at Metz last season from Ajax.
After impressing in the Euros, a lot of clubs were behind this 23-year-old. Two French clubs, AS Monaco and Lyon, were the leading contenders to land the forward. Mikautadze agreed on a deal with AS Monaco. However, he decided to leave that deal and sign the offer presented by Lyon. Lyon struggled a bit at the start of the season last season. They recovered well and made it to the top six. Let’s look at how Georges Mikautadze could take Lyon back to the top.
Debut at the Euros
Georgia’s debut at the Euros turned out to be special for the nation. They finished third in their group behind Portugal and Turkey. Georgia qualified for the last 16, where they met the eventual champions, Spain.
Mikautadze ended the competition with three goals, with two coming from the penalty spot. He even created a goal for his teammate. Georgia were impressive on the counter-attacks. Mikautadze made full use of the opportunities and converted his chances. He ended the tournament as the joint-highest goal-scorer.
Return to France
Georges Mikautadze is familiar with the Ligue 1. He played for Lyon’s youth team and has played over 50 games in the French top division. Last season, he was on loan at Metz. The team failed to keep their first-division status and suffered relegation. Mikautadze impressed everyone during his loan spell.
The 23-year-old ended the season with 13 goals and four assists. He is a very hard-working forward, who likes to stretch the opposition defence with his runs. Georges has the pace and skills to take on defenders.
The pizza chart indicates that the centre-forward was ranked among the best for his attacking contributions. Mikautadze is even rated for his passes. His progressive runs show that the player can take on defenders from any side. He likes to drive with the ball. This hunger will impress any manager.
This plot demonstrates the striker’s goal-scoring efficiency by comparing their expected goals to actual goals scored per 90 minutes.
The above plot measures the striker’s shot-taking frequency and accuracy, key factors in a prolific goal scorer. Georges Mikautadze was one of the top performers despite his side’s struggle in the league.
Alexandre Lacazette led Lyon’s attack in the 2023-24 campaign. The experienced Frenchman ended the season with 19 goals, six more than his new teammate. Lacazette’s positioning to score the goals was much better. However, there was a great difference in the number of passes received inside the box. The veteran received more quality deliveries. This is what Mikautadze can expect from his new teammates.
Georges Mikautadze has a chance to prove himself at Lyon. The Georgian will aim to take his side back to glory.
Visuals via TFA data viz engine