Written by Priya Kaur
The unexpected signing of Federico Chiesa has taken many by surprise, and as we approach the transfer window deadline, Liverpool fans are buzzing with the prospect of having a front six!
The former Juventus player and “one of Italy’s top offensive talents” has attracted significant attention as he transitions to a new chapter in his career.
To gain deeper insights into Chiesa’s playing style, strengths, and potential at Liverpool, we spoke to a UEFA License Coach and Juventus fan, Morten Bering.
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Morten described Chiesa as “a very direct player” with an approach that is straightforward; “he gets the ball on the left side, turns and goes off into space.”
Morten also noted that Chiesa doesn’t rely on flashy moves or tricks as “he is not a Neymar-type player”. Instead, Chiesa focuses on exploiting space with his raw pace and effective dribbling.
On his attacking versatility, Morten stated “Sometimes he cuts it inside and curls it into the far post, and other times, he drives it through the backline.”
Although Chiesa excels in his ability to vary his attacking options, his vision is an area in which he could use development. However, his directness and speed make him invaluable to this already solid Liverpool team, especially when the game opens up.
When discussing Chiesa’s best option on the field, Morten was clear, explaining that the 26-year-old “does his best work on the sides, not centrally.”
The Italian’s preferred position is on the left wing where he can cut inside onto his stronger foot, however, Morten pointed out that, at Liverpool, “it is more likely he’ll be used on the right as a substitute for Salah.”
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Given the attacking depth, Chiesa is definitely more suited to the wings than as a striker.
One of Chiesa’s commendable attributes is his mentality and Morten highlighted this by saying “Even when he has had a bad game, he always finds ways to make an impact on the match.”
This resilience is crucial, especially in high-pressure situations; however, Morten also noted that Chiesa is “not a great passer” and has been criticised for “playing in a bubble”, often choosing to shoot when a pass would be a better option.
Despite this flaw, the coach remains optimistic: “Liverpool’s staff can work on this, and if they do, he could become a star at Anfield.”
Morten also believes that the player’s age is a significant factor in his favour and “at 26, he still has 5-6 good years ahead of him.”
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Unfortunately, Chiesa’s journey has not been without challenges as injuries have been a significant obstacle with the coach noting that “he’s always picked up injuries post his torn ACL.”
This has, understandably, led to some frustration among the Juventus fans, who see immense potential in the player. The recurring small injuries have hindered his consistency, leading to questions on whether he can return to his best self.
Chiesa’s tendency to rely on his instincts rather than tactical discipline has also drawn criticism.
“He’s an instinct player,” and this could be both a strength and a weakness.
While Chiesa can produce moments of magic and flashes of inspiration, his instinctive approach sometimes clashes with tactical instructions, particularly in structured systems, like Arne Slot’s.
Considering the Premier League’s pace and physical demands, and under the guidance of Liverpool’s coaching staff, Chiesa could become a crucial asset.
The €12.5 million fee is a bargain especially if Chiesa can adapt and thrive.
Morten said, “I can see Slot using him in Champions League matches, especially in away games where Liverpool may play more on the counter.”
It is important to mention to us Reds that this is a “fresh start for Chiesa” which can help him regain his confidence and form.
While Federico has faced setbacks and challenges, his potential remains high. With the right support and tactical adjustments, he could become a standout player in Liverpool’s future.
