It's clear which former Liverpool player Federico Chiesa is morphing into after another goal today - opinion
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version or go back to LFC Live.net.
Liverpool were beaten by the better team in Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with a late winner securing the home side’s victory.
It was one of those days for Arne Slot and his team as the Eagles found a deserved winner in the dying embers of added time through an Eddie Nketiah strike at the back post to extend their unbeaten run, while ending the Merseyside team’s run.
The performance in the first half from Liverpool was quite shambolic at times, with an Ismaila Sarr goal in the opening 45 minutes and Ibrahima Konate making mistakes that led to big chances for Oliver Glasner’s side.
Fortunately, Alisson Becker was in the net and put on a standout performance, which kept the Reds from conceding more than the two goals.
But it was also in the forward areas where there were issues with Mohamed Salah being non-existent in many passages, Alexander Isak struggling to bury a chance, and Florian Wirtz not being able to perform in his slightly altered role.
Federico Chiesa, though, came on and brought with him energy and a goal, which was sadly not enough to draw the game, but it gave supporters hope.
Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The Italian winger was chosen to come on after a brilliant performance midweek, in which he assisted the team’s two goals against Southampton to take them into the fourth round of the League Cup.
Against Palace this afternoon, he made an instant impact and even without the goal, Chiesa looked a threat, which gave Glasner’s side an issue down the left-hand side.
MORE LIVERPOOL STORIES
His goal and overall performance are very reminiscent of cult hero Divock Origi, who was a saving grace for Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool side on countless occasions, and it is exactly why Chiesa should play more.
READ MORE: Liverpool’s Premier League player ratings vs Crystal Palace as £12m star shines and two star signings underwhelm
It was the second time this season in the league that he was able to grab a goal late with his Bournemouth effort, practically winning the game for the Reds.
While Origi tended to favour a headed effort or a low-driven shot, the speciality of the Italian winger seems to be half-volley chances, with today’s one curling nicely past Dean Henderson.
The player has not been used off the bench enough this season, and these past performances are evidence of why, even if Liverpool are winning comfortably, he should come on to pose an extra attacking threat.
He is already loved by the fans, and he has the quality needed to change games, but more time on the pitch is needed, especially as a super-sub like the Belgian was, to get the best out of him.
With that said about him appearing more off the bench, game time is a must for him, and after these past two performances, a start in the Champions League has more than been earned.
Watching how Wirtz failed to make a desired impact on the left, a proven winger like Chiesa on that side against Galatasaray should be a must for Slot this week.
There is no risk with starting him as seen against the Saints on Tuesday, and if anything, it gives the manager more options down the left-hand side than just Cody Gakpo.
Chiesa has proved this week that he still has all the star qualities that were apparent during his time in Italy, and for the national side, it is time for Slot to unlock his potential and give him more of a chance.