Sport

Arne Slot Hails Federico Chiesa’s Stellar Full Debut for Liverpool

2024-09-26

In a dazzling showcase on Wednesday night, Federico Chiesa made an unforgettable full debut for Liverpool, propelling the team to a thrilling 5-1 victory over West Ham United in the Carabao Cup.

Chiesa, who recently joined Liverpool in a £10 million transfer from Juventus, had already made appearances for the Reds in matches against AC Milan and Bournemouth. However, this match marked his first start at Anfield, as coach Arne Slot made a bold decision to rotate his squad, introducing nine fresh faces from the team that triumphed against Bournemouth.

After the match, Slot was full of compliments for the 26-year-old forward. Chiesa played a pivotal role by providing an assist during the game, particularly setting up Diogo Jota's opening goal in the 25th minute. Following that, canny strikes from Mohamed Salah and a brace by Cody Gakpo ensured a resounding win for the home side.

Slot praised Chiesa's efforts, noting, “I was pleased to see he could already play 60 minutes. He’s hardly played any minutes over the last few months, so it was critical for him to gain match fitness.” He elaborated, “While he assisted – which was a shot on target that Diogo turned into a goal – it was clear he worked very hard throughout the match.”

The coach acknowledged that it is natural for Chiesa to still be finding his feet with Liverpool, saying, “Of course, it’s expected that he’s not yet at the peak of his capabilities. He needs time to adjust to the club, his teammates, and our style of play. However, it was encouraging to see how fit he is already, which means we can rely on him as we move forward.”

Chiesa’s arrival at Anfield has generated significant excitement, and fans are keenly watching his adaptation to the Premier League, hoping he will soon reach the heights he showcased at Juventus. With this performance, he has not only silenced skeptics but has also sparked optimism for Liverpool’s future campaign.

As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Chiesa, an exciting talent who could become a key player for the Reds. Will he continue to sparkle in the intense Premier League, or will the pressure turn up as expectations grow? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Chiesa’s journey at Liverpool has just begun.