Unfortunate news gives “overlooked” Liverpool star a chance he deserves

Liverpool star Federico Chiesa made a strong statement in the 2-1 Carabao Cup third-round victory over Southampton on Tuesday. The 27-year-old Italian international has struggled to establish himself as a regular in the starting eleven under head coach Arne Slot.

However, Chiesa has started the new season strongly, putting behind him the fitness struggles of last season at the club. Despite missing the spot for the Champions League squad at Liverpool, the Italian has displayed impressive professionalism and commitment.

Such commitment is often reciprocated by the Liverpool fanbase, who tirelessly sing his name and keep their faith in him. Chiesa once again lived up to that faith against the Saints, earning two assists to help Liverpool progress further.

According to Fotmob, Chiesa delivered a Player of the Match performance by creating the most chances (four) in the game. The 27-year-old worked tirelessly, making 55 touches, with 13 of those coming inside the opposition’s box.

Chiesa completed two successful dribbles and produced one accurate cross in his offensive performance with the highly rotated Liverpool side. Defensively, the Italian international made one tackle, one block, two interceptions, and three recoveries.

Furthermore, Chiesa won five out of eight ground duels in the game, earning two fouls while committing one. According to the BBC, Liverpool defender Giovanni Leoni faces months of absence after suffering a suspected anterior cruciate ligament injury.

The situation has opened the chance for Chiesa to play for Liverpool in the Champions League as one of the potential replacements. While the reason for his inclusion is unfortunate, there is no denying that Chiesa deserves his Champions League spot.

Speaking at the post-match press conference (via Liverpoolfc.com), Slot delivered special praise to Chiesa for his impressive performance for Liverpool against Southampton. He said:

“I said at half-time, for me it is completely not a coincidence that Federico picked the ball and assisted on the first [goal] because he was the one, in my opinion, that was most involved in the game, tried the most, worked the hardest. And then it wasn’t a coincidence again that he was the man that made a deep run, great ball by Robbo [Andy Robertson], by the way – who also has won so much at this club and also understands how to play this game: not underestimate it, just always be ready to play. That’s also the way to get yourself either back in the team or get as much playing minutes as you want.”

Liverpool fans are eager to see Chiesa continue his impressive form for the club and establish himself as a regular.