Liverpool’s new signing, Federico Chiesa, made his debut for the club in their recent Champions League win against AC Milan, and the circumstances couldn’t have been better for the Italy international. Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus in a deal worth £11m last month, had to wait for his first appearance due to a lack of pre-season training. However, he finally got his chance to shine as he replaced Mohamed Salah in the closing stages of the match at the San Siro.
The 26-year-old received a warm reception from the Liverpool fans in attendance, and he didn’t disappoint with his performance on the pitch. Chiesa showed his eagerness to impress by pressuring Milan’s defenders and pushing forward at every opportunity. Although he didn’t manage to get on the scoresheet, his presence on the field was felt, and he will be looking to make a bigger impact in the upcoming matches.
On the other hand, Darwin Nunez, who has been under pressure since his move to Liverpool from Benfica two years ago, had a missed opportunity to assist Chiesa in scoring a goal late in the game. Nunez, wearing the iconic No.9 shirt for Liverpool, has been closely scrutinized in every match he plays, facing high expectations from fans and critics alike. Similarly, Cody Gakpo and Luis Diaz have also experienced the demands that come with playing for a club like Liverpool.
Chiesa’s arrival at Anfield comes with less pressure compared to his predecessors, and manager Arne Slot is keen to ease him into the team gradually. Slot highlighted Chiesa’s difficult pre-season at Juventus and emphasized the need for him to build up his match fitness before being handed a starting role. Despite facing competition from other talented wingers in the squad, Chiesa is expected to be a valuable asset for Liverpool in the upcoming matches.
Looking ahead, Liverpool will continue to integrate Chiesa into the team, with a potential start against Bournemouth this weekend and a crucial League Cup match against West Ham United next week. Slot believes that Chiesa’s quality and potential will shine through as he gets more playing time with the team. The soft launch approach for Chiesa reflects Liverpool’s strategic planning and focus on maximizing his impact on the pitch.
In conclusion, Chiesa’s debut for Liverpool marks the beginning of what could be a successful tenure at Anfield. With the support of the fans and the coaching staff, Chiesa has the opportunity to showcase his talent and make a significant contribution to the team’s success. As he continues to adapt to his new surroundings and build up his match fitness, Chiesa’s journey with Liverpool promises to be an exciting one for both the player and the club.