Federico Chiesa’s Liverpool moment is finally on the horizon after months of anticipation and patience. Signed from Juventus in late August for £10m, Chiesa arrived at a time when Liverpool’s new manager, Arne Slot, was implementing his intense and intricate playing style. Missing the pre-season and the early team bonding, Chiesa initially appeared to be ‘left behind’, with little chance to find his place in the system.
For any new player, pre-season training is crucial for adapting to a team’s tactical approach. Under Slot’s guidance, the training sessions have been notably grueling, with the famous six-minute race test replacing the lactate test from the Klopp era. Slot’s approach emphasizes intense physical preparation, along with creating deep chemistry within the team. This process was one Chiesa missed entirely. But while he was sidelined, Slot’s emphasis on team-building and intricate football has become apparent, as the Liverpool squad has grown stronger with each passing match.
Despite the missed pre-season and subsequent struggles to find his rhythm, Chiesa has been slowly but surely integrated into Slot’s system. Initially, his appearances were few and far between. With Mohamed Salah in brilliant form on the right wing, there seemed little space for Chiesa in the starting lineup. Still, the team’s depth in the competition, along with the volume of fixtures, has given Chiesa moments to shine. His cameo appearances, although limited, have sparked hope among fans.
His first goal for the club came in a FA Cup match against Accrington Stanley, followed by a valuable performance in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven, where he created both goals for Cody Gakpo and Harvey Elliott. These glimpses of his Euro 2020 form are exciting for both the club and Chiesa himself. Through these performances, even with limited minutes on the pitch, he’s managed to show that he still has the talent that once made him one of the brightest attacking players in Europe.
Chiesa’s journey at Liverpool has been marked by perseverance. Despite the frustrations of limited game time and a lack of visibility in the starting lineup, he has maintained a positive attitude, integrating into the squad and forming bonds with teammates. His fluency in English has helped with communication, and his enthusiasm for playing at Liverpool has shone through. The fanbase has taken notice of his spirit, adding to the growing belief that his time will come.
Looking ahead, Chiesa is expected to have a larger role in Liverpool’s second half of the season. With a demanding fixture list that could see the team play as many as 28 games, Slot’s squad will need to rely on the depth of their roster, and Chiesa’s fresh legs could prove invaluable. While he may not be a regular starter, his ability to come off the bench and make an impact in key moments could be a critical asset. Whether it’s breaking down a defensive block or scoring a crucial goal, Chiesa may well become the player who delivers when the team needs him most, much like Divock Origi has done in the past.
Slot’s patience in bringing Chiesa into the fold reflects the broader strategy of the Liverpool team: a commitment to meticulous, patient football, with the belief that good things come to those who wait. In Slot’s case, his approach has allowed Chiesa to adapt slowly and be unleashed at just the right time for a crucial run-in. The longer it takes for a player to settle, the more rewarding it can be when they eventually find their stride. With a potential title push ahead, Slot’s careful nurturing of Chiesa may well bear fruit, and the Italian could prove to be a key figure in Liverpool’s pursuit of glory.
