Chiesa can be reborn at Liverpool under Slot next season, here’s how
Federico Chiesa was an afterthought for the majority of last season as Liverpool won the Premier League.
The Italian was the only notable addition to the squad in Arne Slot’s first season in charge at Anfield.
Chiesa looked to provide quality depth on either wing after arriving for £10.95million plus add-ons from Juventus.
Despite this, injuries hampered his debut campaign in L4, where he was limited to just one start in the league last season, but according to reports, Chiesa’s Liverpool career could be set to be revived.
Chiesa to be utilised as a striker next season by Slot
Despite only being in Merseyside for a season, Chiesa has previously been linked with a move away following his disappointing performances.
However, Chiesa could receive a new lease of life from Slot, who is said to consider the Italian international as a possible option down the middle next season, according to reports from The Athletic (15 July).
Whilst this may come as a shock to some Reds, Chiesa is a player who possesses quality when fully fit and his versatility could be a valuable asset for Slot across his frontline next season.
Chiesa impressed up front in pre-season against Preston, and this could be the role to unlock his full potential in a red shirt.
| Federico Chiesa | Serie A stats (2020/21) |
| Appearences | 33 |
| Goals | 9 |
| Assists | 9 |
With Darwin Nunez’s Liverpool future uncertain, Chiesa could be in line for more regular minutes in the next campaign as a nine.
With reports suggesting that Liverpool’s priority for the rest of the window is another striker, it is seemingly unlikely that Chiesa will be the starting striker under Slot next season.
The Reds still need to sign a number nine
Although most Scousers would be happy to see Chiesa feature more in the future, retaining their Premier League crown with the 27-year-old as their only option up front seems unlikely.
Chiesa would be terrifying in transition, given his pace and dribbling abilities, but in big European games, for example, when Chiesa would have to play with his back to goal for the majority of the game, this would not suit his attributes.
Jean-Philippe Mateta could be the striker Liverpool need, with the Reds said to have held talks with Mateta’s representatives in Paris over a potential move.
Signing the Frenchman who is proven to be able to score goals in the toughest league in the world could turn out to be a shrewd piece of business, especially when considering the relatively modest fee involved.
Slot’s options up front would then become more diverse, with Mateta providing a physical presence up top and link-up play that could see the likes of Mohammed Salah and Florian Wirtz thrive.
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