A formidable Georgian centre-back from the Soviet era, renowned for his uncompromising tackling, aerial dominance, and masterful organisation of the backline. Career record: 46 caps and 3 goals for Georgia; club career at FC Dinamo Tbilisi.
One rank above: Mikheil Meskhi at #4.
One rank below: Murtaz Khurtsilava at #6.
Georgia's editorial top five: David Kipiani · Khvicha Kvaratskhelia · Kakha Kaladze · Mikheil Meskhi · Aleksandre Chivadze.