Federico Chiesa: Shining the Spotlight on Liverpool’s Italian Recruit
There were more than a few raised eyebrows when Liverpool signed Federico Chiesa for just £10 million this summer. English fans could scarcely forget his superb displays for Italy en route to beating England in the 2020 Euros final.
A delightful player in full flow, it’s been a tough few years for Chiesa as he’s worked his way back from a long-term knee injury. Powerful and explosive when he finds his rhythm, trusting his body again after an ACL injury hasn’t been easy, and Liverpool will need to be patient with him.
Manager Arne Slot has been just that, though, and he continues to stop short of saying when Chiesa will be ready to pull on a Liverpool shirt. The Reds have enjoyed a strong start to life under Slot despite defeat at home to Nottingham Forest last weekend. Mohamed Salah and Luis Diaz have looked particularly sharp, and ultimately, Chiesa will be afforded time to settle, as a result of Liverpool’s attacking riches.
The 26-year-old is an opportunistic signing, and one with little downside, given his fee. A versatile forward, Chiesa can play across the frontline. A strong and efficient finisher, he profiles similarly to the likes of Salah and Diogo Jota, in respect of his ability to take advantage of openings.
Chiesa seems to have settled well, his beaming smile a constant theme of his first few weeks on Merseyside. The former Fiorentina wide man appears grateful for the opportunity. Football leaves little room for sentiment these days, though, and until he produces on the pitch, Liverpool fans are hardly going to welcome him with open arms.
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It was a frustrating summer transfer window for the Reds, and Chiesa doesn’t fill a midfield-sized void in the squad. He provides cover where cover already exists, and whilst that’s not necessarily his fault, he will carry that burden should Liverpool begin to struggle for results.
Chiesa found the net 10 times for Juventus last season but was deemed surplus to requirements by new manager Thiago Motta, who wants to implement a high press. Chiesa’s injury history doesn’t lend itself to a high-pressing system, and Slot’s possession-based style should get the best out of him if he can prove his fitness.
There is value in utilising Chiesa’s pace and power off the bench, and when fully fit, he’s a world-class talent. Questions, however, will continue to remain whilst Slot neglects to use him, and though physically he’s suited to the Premier League, his injury record suggests his body could struggle with the pace and intensity.
Liverpool bounced back from defeat against Forest with a confident performance away to AC Milan in the Champions League. Chiesa was used off the bench in second-half stoppage time. But he’ll have to wait before being given meaningful minutes. A home tie against West Ham in the Carabao Cup could provide an opportunity for Chiesa to start, and it’s clear he is enjoying life in England.
Dissatisfied with life in Turin, Chiesa has been given a new lease on life at Liverpool. He is eager to please but must be patient. One injury could curtail his dream move and spell the end for his time at the top of the European game.
By: Sam Tabuteau / @TabuteauS
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Jonathan Moscrop – Getty Images