Ligue 1: Georges Mikautadze, “the Mbappé of FC Metz” who is saving the Grenats from relegation

8 goals since the 23rd day of Ligue 1. No one has done better in Ligue 1 for two months (Aubameyang 7, Jonathan David 6, Gonçalo Ramos 6, Kylian Mbappé 5). Silent during his first five outings in the garnet jersey, he took advantage of a match against his training club, OL at the Stade Saint-Symphorien (1-2) to sign his return and finally launch his second part of the season . Returning to Lorraine six months after his departure for Ajax Amsterdam for 16 million euros, the Georgian international striker is on the verge of saving FC Metz from relegation. First by scoring crucial goals against Nantes and Clermont at the beginning of March to turn around Messins, who had not won since November 26 in Lorient (0-1), But that was not yet enough, so the “King George” continued to take charge.

Against Lens on April 12, when his team was trailing (1-0), he only needed two opportunities to turn the situation around. An unstoppable left-footed strike for Samba (1-1, 35th), just like his well-aimed dive ten minutes later (2-1, 45th). In Le Havre, last Sunday, he was clinical by shooting Arthur Desmas to score the only goal of the match (0-1, 45th). A second victory in a row which places Metz outside the red zone. The Grenats are now 15th, just one point ahead of their last opponent from Le Havre. The job is not finished for Mister Georges and his teammates.

“When you have a scorer, it’s the greatest happiness. Georges (Mikautadze), he's not Mbappé, but he's the Mbappé of FC Metz. Today he is regaining his well-being,” said László Boloni, euphoric at a press conference after the precious success gleaned at the Stade Océane (0-1). If Mikautadze regains his well-being in Metz, it is because he lost it after signing for Ajax Amsterdam. Six matches in sixteen possible matches, but above all no goals scored.

“I spent more than two months in the hotel. I was alone in this room, I was going crazy, The club didn't help me much when looking for an apartment. The conditions were not right for me to succeed. All players need to feel good about themselves, to feel respected in order to perform. I've been disappointed. Besides, I'm on loan, but they don't hear any news. At Ajax, I was forgotten,” he said in an interview with the newspaper L’Équipe.

The young man also explained his attachment to FC Metz, which pushed him to return so as not to leave the garnet club “in trouble” and because he “wanted to find pleasure in his second home”. A successful bet for the moment, but at the end of the season, the garnet club will have to say goodbye a second time to its little Georgian. Unless the Metz leaders align with the 13 million euros requested by Ajax to exercise the purchase option.

Regardless of what happens next, Georges Mikautadze should not linger in Metz or the Netherlands and this could benefit Ligue 1 clubs. LOSC, FC Metz's next opponent this Sunday, could look into the matter in the event departure of Jonathan David. Olympique Lyonnais, a “heart” club, could well want to make up for it after having kicked the Lyon native out of the training center at the age of 14.

Abroad, if things don't change at the moment, that could quickly change this summer. The striker, who is much talked about for his speed and mobility in Ligue 1, could also compete at the Euro in Germany. Georgia qualified for the first time in its history in a continental competition. Willy Sagnol's men will face Portugal, the Czech Republic and Turkey. The opportunity to show off and perhaps hope to attract the big European clubs.