Liverpool’s summer signing, Federico Chiesa, is yet to make his debut but he has already impressed the Reds in training and one teammate has given his verdict about his arrival.
Chiesa signed for Liverpool late in the summer, missing the Reds’ preseason, and so he has spent the last few weeks building up his fitness in order to fight for a place in the first team.
The Italian wasn’t included in his country's squad for the recent international break so has had every chance to get up to speed and, after missing Liverpool’s game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday, was included in the travelling squad for the Reds’ trip to AC Milan.
He has already received a tonne of praise from around the footballing world, including from a Liverpool icon, but now the 26-year-old will be focussing on making a good impression on the pitch.
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Alisson full of praise for Chiesa
In Liverpool’s pre-match press conference before their opening UEFA Champions League fixture, the Reds’ no.1 Alisson was full of praise for his newest teammate.
“I don’t need to give you any introduction about Federico Chiesa, he is a wonderful player, and you know him much better than I do. In the past years he has proven his quality.
“He got injured, he had some ups and downs, lately he had some bad periods, but the way he landed in Liverpool was extremely positive to me. He arrived in our squad with a huge smile painted on his face.”
Although he has not been included in the match day squad for either of the games Liverpool have played since he signed, including a 3-0 victory over Manchester United, Chiesa has been present at the stadiums and is integrating into the Reds’ squad.
“Everybody is enthusiastic about Federico, and he is extremely happy having this chance to play in this squad,” added the Brazilian. “His quality he shows every day. We are lucky to count on him. He is a top-level player who can help our team.”
On board with the Reds ✈️📸 pic.twitter.com/6tynVj80Ly
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) September 16, 2024
Chiesa’s place in the Liverpool team
Liverpool’s right-wing position is currently filled by arguably one of the greatest Premier League players of all time in Mohamed Salah but this does not mean there isn’t a place in the team for Chiesa.
The 51-capped Italian is capable of playing on both wings and can also be deployed as a number 10, meaning he instantly adds depth to a number of Liverpool’s forward positions.
Depth will be important for Liverpool this year as the change in Champions League format means the Reds could play more football this season than in any other if they were to reach the final of every competition they’re in.
Chiesa could prove to be a key asset for Liverpool as they look to rotate Salah to ensure that he remains fit.
The Egyptian King also has less than a year left on his current deal at Anfield and, if no extension is agreed, he could leave Liverpool for free next summer.
Although negotiations over a new deal are reportedly set to begin soon, Chiesa could end up being a long-term option for Slot on the right-wing if Salah were to leave Merseyside.
Chiesa has already proven himself to his teammates in training and must now prove himself to Liverpool supporters over the next few weeks as he starts to feature in Slot’s side.