Liverpool’s Italian recruit Federico Chiesa has been described as a “great player” by former Italy and Chelsea star Roberto Di Matteo.
He believes the winger has the potential to make a significant impact at Anfield if Mohamed Salah departs this summer. Despite his struggles with injuries and limited appearances, Di Matteo remains optimistic about Chiesa’s future with the Reds.
Chiesa, a Euro 2020 winner, joined Liverpool in the summer of 2024 from Juventus in a deal worth £10 million ($13 million). While the transfer initially appeared to be a bargain, the 27-year-old’s recurring injury issues have hampered his progress.
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Restricted to just eight appearances with no Premier League starts, his fitness concerns raised speculation about a potential return to Italy during January transfer window. However, Chiesa now looks set to stay and fight for his place in Arne Slot’s squad.
Speaking to GOAL in collaboration with BetMGM, Di Matteo expressed his confidence in Chiesa’s abilities, saying:
“I can see why Liverpool would sign him. It’s a great move, going to Liverpool – a fantastic iconic club, challenges for the Premier League, for the Champions League.
But Arne Slot said that he has good competition from the guys ahead of him – Mo Salah, Luis Diaz etc – so it’s not easy to get into the Liverpool team.
I think he will be an asset for them in the second half of the season. He’s looking better now, he’s played a few games, and he’s a great player if he can stay fit.”
Chiesa: Liverpool’s next Salah successor?
The uncertainty surrounding Salah’s future at Liverpool has also brought Chiesa into spotlight. Salah, whose contract is nearing its end, has been a talismanic figure for the Reds. And replacing him will be no small task. While Di Matteo acknowledges the difficulty of filling Salah’s boots, he believes Chiesa could contribute significantly.
“Who can fill Mo Salah’s void? That’s a big ask, isn’t it. He’s had such an incredible career, Mo Salah, and his numbers are staggering.
I’m not sure he can fill his shoes but he can give a big contribution to the team. He can certainly be a good player for them.
Come the second half of the season when it’s very important to have all of your players fit, hopefully he’ll be in the mix when they have to rotate because they are involved in the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, so it’s a lot of games to play.
I’m not sure how much English fans know about him, but I really like him.”
Chiesa scored his first goal for Liverpool during their FA Cup third-round victory over Accrington Stanley. And he has made three more substitute appearances since. As Liverpool compete on multiple fronts, including the Premier League, Champions League, and Carabao Cup, Chiesa’s fitness and form could prove crucial in the coming months.
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Passionate about the beautiful game and dedicated to Liverpool FC, where "You'll Never Walk Alone" is not just a slogan, but a way of life. I live and breathe football, from the roar of the Anfield crowd to the tactical intricacies of the sport. My expertise lies in dissecting the transfer market, tracking player movements, and uncovering the hidden gems destined for greatness. Whether it's discussing potential signings, analyzing match strategies, or celebrating the brilliance of players, I'm always ready for a football conversation.