Federico Chiesa must do one thing after Southampton display to justify Liverpool transfer decision
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When Arne Slot claimed in May that Federico Chiesa still had a future at Liverpool, few took him seriously.
Most, this writer included, suspected that his words during a Kirkby press conference after Liverpool had secured the title were tinged with insincerity.
Despite the Italian’s dismal first season on Merseyside, there was a way back for him, said the Liverpool head coach.
Slot explained that Chiesa had arrived in late August 2024 lacking fitness, then picked up an injury and was simply unable to displace the reliable Liverpool forwards who had set about reclaiming the Premier League title for the Reds.
Had we known then that tragically Liverpool would not start the new season with Diogo Jota and that it would cash in on serious offers for Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez, perhaps Slot’s remarks would have held greater credence.
Now there is a genuine belief that after his nightmare first year at Liverpool, Chiesa could provide a real impact in the second.
His ineffective display at Plymouth still draws grimaces from supporters, while Chiesa's only start of the Premier League season - against Brighton & Hove Albion - lacked any sort of potency or attacking threat.
That's why most felt that a summer departure was in everyone’s best interests
Liverpool didn’t push to find a buyer or loan move.
Many would struggle to continue after such a scarring introduction to the Premier League, yet Chiesa has a remarkable ability to brush off setbacks and emerge through galling experiences with an infectious smile on his face.
The fans immediately took to him
Should Chiesa demonstrate the sort of timidity that was a hallmark of last season’s performances, then his progression will feel short-lived.
Instead, another industrious performance featuring a repeat of his offensive contributions, and there could be genuine discussions about a possible starting berth.
For Liverpool and Slot, too, there’s a need for Chiesa to perform and justify the decision to sell Diaz and Nunez in the summer