Atlanta United 2024 player review: Saba Lobjanidze

Atlanta United winger Saba Lobjanidze capped off a successful 2024 season as one of the Five Stripe’s top goal scorers. Since his transfer in from Hatayspor in 2023, the Georgian has been a workhorse in the attack, notching almost 3000 minutes in 2024 alone. Couple that with his time playing for the Georgia national team and his apparent desire to embarrass Inter Miami off the face of the earth, and there’s little doubt why he’s become such a fan favorite in Atlanta.

Stats

Matches Played/Started: 38/37

Minutes: 2917

Goals: 11 (1 in Leagues Cup)

Assists: 3

What went right?

Quite a bit, actually. In a year of uncertainty, Saba Lobjanidze was a versatile player who was literally almost always available for selection. He didn’t allow for much second thought as to how the right wing would operate, and his chemistry with right-back Brooks Lennon improved as the season progressed. He was consistently up for the challenges of both attempting to put the team on his back when needed, and placating (rightfully) frustrated fans with what can only be described as a passion for the Atlanta United crest. Saba was always available to chat with media during the good and bad, and he took time to mingle with supporters as often as possible.

In many ways, Saba was the main engine for the attack throughout the entire season, one which saw both Thiago Almada and Giorgos Giakoumakis transfer out in the summer. He most often player as a right winger, but would periodically shift over to the left or even up top as another number 9 when needed. He also had a knack for crashing the box at very opportune moments, and overall he gave Atlanta’s coaching staff one less thing to worry about.

What to improve on?

We had a running joke in the beginning of the season that if Saba wasn’t so unlucky, he would’ve been in the early conversation for the Golden Boot. Game after game he pinged multiple shots off the woodwork, or had an extra spicy goalkeeper on the day simply pull a wild save to deny Saba the back of the net. That’s an aspect of the game that can be maddening to watch, and even more maddening for the player who’s being victimized. Ultimately, though, he broke through in some of the most critical moments for the squad in 2024, but if he can coax a tad more finesse out of his shots, crosses, and ball-handling – or maybe just be a bit luckier – he’ll be an elite winger in 2025.

What role will he play in 2025?

There’s no doubt that Saba will retain the starting right wing spot. That isn’t to say he won’t have competition, but 11 goals and 3 assists is a tough set of numbers to argue against. He’ll also likely continue to rise as a locker room leader and foundation piece during an offseason of massive change.

Overall Grade: A- (extra points for being the Scourge of Miami’s defense)