Arne Slot can ‘end Federico Chiesa misery’ after Liverpool injury bombshell
Federico Chiesa has endured a miserable start to his Liverpool career since his summer move from Juventus.
The Italian has made 10 appearances in all competitions for a total of 370 minutes in an injury-hampered campaign so far.
The 27-year-old was left out of the squad for the 2-2 draw with Everton on Wednesday (12 February) despite being fit as Arne Slot felt that Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota provided better options from the bench.
However, a new injury concern for the Reds may give Chiesa the chance to kickstart his torrid time at Anfield.
Arne Slot bombshell may give Chiesa Liverpool chance
The Liverpool manager announced that Cody Gakpo may miss the Wolves clash in his pre-match press conference (14 February).
That could be the opportunity that Chiesa needs to show the Dutchman what he is capable of and prove that he can be an asset as the Reds chase Premier League and Champions League glory given that Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez have failed to score in their last ten and seven matches respectively.
However, if he is given a starting berth on the left flank, he will need to impress and perform better than he did in the 1-0 FA Cup loss to Plymouth (9 February).
Chiesa has to step up soon for Liverpool
The Italian was expected to shine on the South Coast but his performance was underwhelming against the Championship strugglers when replacing Mohamed Salah on the right wing.
The former Juventus star created one chance, recorded two shots and had four touches in the opposition box, which considering the opposition is not necessarily impressive. [Fotmob]
He completed just one of the ten dribbles that he attempted for a 10 per cent success rate and was accurate with just one four cross attempts for a 25 per cent success rate.
The Euro 2020 winner was disposed three times and when attempting to win the back was successful just four times from the 17 ground duels that he contested for a 24 per cent success rate.
However, that performance can be excused given Chiesa’s lack of consistent minutes and the fact that the Reds failed to impose their game on the second-tier opponents.
The ex-Serie A ace has had to be patient and wait for his opportunities and there have been glimpses of his ability like his stunning strike against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third-round victory (11 January).
If the Italian can maintain his fitness levels until the end of campaign, his versatility to play across the front three, his directness, and his ability to create chances could make him a valuable asset in the closing stages of the season.
If Slot chooses to unleash him against Vitor Pereira’s side, he could finally show why the Anfield outfit parted with £12.5 million to secure his services last summer.