Chiesa to ‘change Arne Slot’s mind’ after what he did in Liverpool win
Federico Chiesa faces a battle to revive his Liverpool career.
The winger moved to the Reds in a £12.5million switch from Juventus last summer but struggled to convince Arne Slot that he could play a role.
Chiesa featured 14 times in all competitions in his debut season in English football, for a total of just 466 minutes.
That was mainly due to fitness issues, but when he did get on the pitch, he did not impress most of the time, a result of a lack of rhythm.
Chiesa impresses as Liverpool start pre-season
Chiesa has consistently been linked with a move back to Italy, but talk of a potential exit has dampened over the past few weeks.
He started the Anfield outfit’s first pre-season friendly against Preston in the number nine role, and he impressed in a 45-minute cameo on Sunday.
He grew into the contest after a slow start and raced through on goal in the 19th minute, only to be caught by a defender before winning the ball back and shooting wide of the mark.
His next contribution was a lot more effective, as he received the ball from Rio Ngumoha, took it past one man and sent a low cross beyond Dominik Szoboszlai, which was slotted home by Conor Bradley to give the Reds the lead.
While it did not go down as an assist, his work was vital to the opener and could be an eye-opener for Slot after his lack of minutes last season.
The Italian took six touches in the opposition box, created one chance, and even made a recovery in the contest. [Fotmob]
Liverpool have to show faith in Chiesa
Chiesa’s signing was a gamble for the Reds; he was once touted as a £100m player, but his career had stagnated in recent years.
He came to Merseyside after being frozen out and had to adjust to a new country and a new style of football without a pre-season behind him.
With a full pre-season this summer, he could be a totally different prospect next season as the Reds look to retain their Premier League title.
That would be the best outcome for everybody, as the supporters love him and his song is one of the most popular on the Anfield concourses.
Fenway Sports Group are set to back Slot in the market to add a new attacker, but if Chiesa can get up to speed, they may not have to.
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