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Could Saba Kharebashvili be on his way to becoming the best left-back in world football someday?

It’s fair to say Georgian football is enjoying one of its brightest eras yet.

With Khvicha Kvaratskhelia spearheading the nation’s rise in Europe, players like Giorgi Mamardashvili and Georges Mikautadze have followed suit, securing major transfers in recent years.

Among this new wave, Saba Kharebashvili stands out as perhaps Georgia’s most thrilling young talent in decades. Here’s a two-minute scout report on the 17-year-old prodigy.

Name: Saba Kharebashvili Position/s: Left-back, Left Wing-Back Age: 17 (Born: September 3, 2008) Nationality: Georgian Height: 1.84m (6ft 0in) Preferred Foot: Left Current Club: Dinamo Tbilisi

Having come through the same academy as Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, young Saba Kharebashvili – fondly dubbed ‘Roberto Kharelos’ in a nod to Kvaratskhelia’s ‘Kvaradona’ nickname – has already made history as the youngest player to appear in a UEFA competition at just 15 years old. Now a regular starter for Dinamo Tbilisi, he has also debuted for Georgia’s senior national team, becoming their youngest-ever player in the process.

Born in 2008, Kharebashvili represents a rare combination of attributes: a technically gifted playmaker with an exceptional left foot, immense stamina, and the physicality of a centre-back. Expectations are understandably lofty, with the youngster himself a self-confessed Real Madrid admirer, inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo.

Playmaking and delivery: Watching Kharebashvili in action makes it clear he was once a midfielder. His sharp passing, attacking intent, and composure in build-up play are all evident in Dinamo’s system. The teenager boasts great vision, loves sweeping diagonal passes, and can whip in crosses with precision and pace – often first-time, even from tight spaces. His set-piece delivery is another weapon in his arsenal.

Acceleration and engine: Blessed with explosive pace, Kharebashvili thrives in transitional moments, charging forward down the flank or tracking back with equal intensity. His acceleration mirrors Kvaratskhelia’s quick, shuffling bursts, and his endurance allows him to maintain his energy levels throughout full matches against seasoned professionals.

Physique and strength: Standing at 6ft tall at just 17, the Georgian has long towered over his peers. While many technically adept players rely on agility and a low centre of gravity, Kharebashvili uses his physical frame to shield the ball and repel challenges effectively.

Tactical versatility: Though naturally a left-back, Kharebashvili’s skill set makes him adaptable across multiple roles. He can stay deep during build-up, step into midfield as an inverted full-back, or push forward on overlapping runs. His overall profile bears resemblance to versatile defenders like Riccardo Calafiori and David Alaba.

Precocious maturity: Having been part of senior squads from a remarkably young age and captained Georgia’s youth teams, Kharebashvili displays maturity beyond his years. Coaches praise his calmness and professionalism — traits that hint strongly at a future at the highest level.

Discipline: While his reading of the game and interception ability are impressive, Kharebashvili can at times be overzealous in the tackle. Occasional lapses in focus mean he’s currently more impactful in possession than out of it. With experience, especially at higher levels, these aspects are likely to improve, though for now, he still has a tendency to commit unnecessary fouls or lose track of runners.

Aerial duels: Despite his height advantage, Kharebashvili isn’t yet aggressive enough in aerial battles. Developing better timing and physical assertiveness in the air could elevate his defensive presence significantly.

Two-footedness: His left foot is so technically refined that he rarely uses his right. While this isn’t a major issue for a left-back, if he transitions into midfield or central defence later in his career, improving his weaker foot will be essential to becoming more two-sided.

DEFENDERS: Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Victor Valdepenas, Marco Palestra

Coaches, analysts, and scouts alike agree that Kharebashvili’s potential is sky-high. He is already being linked with major European clubs, with a move expected after his 18th birthday in September. The main question now is how smoothly he will adjust from Georgian football to one of Europe’s elite leagues. Judging by his rapid growth so far, the early signs point to a bright future.