Federico Chiesa has become something of a cult hero around Anfield but has struggled to cement himself in Arne Slot’s plans during his time at Liverpool.

The Reds’ interest in the winger dates back to 2017 when links first emerged for the Italian to make the switch to Merseyside, with the then 19-year-old making waves in the Serie A. The move did become a reality, however, seven years later, in the summer of 2024.

Chiesa became the first signing under new manager Arne Slot and had moderate expectations after being shown the door at Juventus just two years on from a career-altering ACL injury.

Before this, he was seen as one of Europe’s premier forwards and was considered untouchable by the Bianconeri, even at fees in excess of £100M.

During his first season in a Liverpool shirt, Chiesa only saw the pitch on 14 occasions, netting twice for the Reds, including a late goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 defeat in the League Cup final in March.

Despite his limited contribution, Liverpool went on to become Premier League champions for the 20th time, with the winger becoming a fan favourite and getting a chant on the Kop despite appearing just six times in the league.

A lack of fitness was the main factor behind the scarcity of minutes provided to Chiesa, as there have never been any questions over the quality of the Italian since he touched down in the northwest. 

His ACL Injury in 2021 was the key domino in the decline of his durability, as many players who sustain an injury of this sort never rediscover top form and struggle to stay consistent. Manchester City’s Rodri is a victim of this same problem.

Following a disappointing first season in English football, stories emerged of the Italian departing to pastures new as he was omitted from Liverpool’s pre-season tour squad in Asia as a move was expected to materialise.

This was until Luis Díaz departed for Bayern Munich in late July and Chiesa decided to challenge himself and stay at Anfield to fulfil his potential and stay at the pinnacle of European football.

Chiesa was thrust into the spotlight this season on the opening night of the Premier League, avenging his side, who had given up a two-goal lead to Bournemouth with a brilliantly taken finish which proved decisive. 

This resulted in the Anfield hero being serenaded by a crowd of 60,000 from the point of his goal, right up until the full-time whistle, and he finally felt like a Kopite now. 

Minutes continued to be sparce for Chiesa in the coming weeks with him routinely appearing in the final moments of games with no real chance to play his way into the starting lineup.

This also came at a time where he was snubbed of a place in Liverpool’s initial 23-man Champions League squad in favour of wonderkid Rio Ngumoha who has never played in a European fixture.

Questions arose from amongst the fanbase, questioning why manager Arne Slot continued to overlook the former Juventus man in favour of Cody Gakpo who has flattered to deceive, and a 17-year-old Rio Ngumoha who was largely unproven.

His first start of the season came in the League Cup against Southampton where he scooped up the player of the match award after providing assists to both Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike showing the Anfield faithful what he had to offer once again.

Chiesa was subsequently included in Arne Slot’s travelling squad for the Champions League off the back of this fixture however not because of performance, however it was due to fellow Italian Giovanni Leoni tearing his ACL.

A Premier League start still eluded the 27-year-old the following fixture in Liverpool’s trip to Selhurst Park, which ended in late defeat; however, Chiesa came on and tied the game at 1-1 however his goal was to no avail as Liverpool still fell to the Eagles. 

A conundrum that has been growing amongst the Liverpool fanbase this season is why Chiesa has not seen more action than he has been permitted with some even believing there to be some sort of disconnect between the player and coach.

The attacking ranks at LFC are stacked with those who are no longer at the club being replaced with equal or greater quality and talent emerging from the academy meaning it’s never been harder to break into this forward line.

If the situation fails to change for Liverpool’s number 14, it would not be a shock if this is his last season on Merseyside as he has been a part of something great, but for himself it may be best to move on.

 

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