In the latest episode of “Expert Insight” from Redmen TV, Dan Clubbe sat down with Anantajith Raghuraman from The Athletic to delve deep into Liverpool’s potential interest in Federico Chiesa. With Salah’s incredible consistency, Chiesa has been considered a possible backup, especially with his versatility and different style of play. This discussion provides valuable insights into what Chiesa could bring to Liverpool, particularly in the context of being a Salah backup and addressing injury concerns.

Chiesa’s Versatility: Key Asset

Federico Chiesa’s versatility is perhaps his most valuable asset, something that Liverpool could benefit greatly from. Anantajith Raghuraman notes, “Chiesa brings a degree of versatility which Liverpool already have with their current forwards, apart from Salah who you might put down as a proper right winger.” This adaptability has been a hallmark of Liverpool’s forward line, with players like Gakpo, Jota, and even Mane before them, shifting positions seamlessly.

Chiesa, however, adds another layer to this versatility. He’s played across the front line, offering Jurgen Klopp more options, though his ideal position seems to be on the right wing. Raghuraman highlights, “His preferred position has been the right, and that’s where he’s made a name for himself.” This makes him an ideal candidate to step into Salah’s shoes when necessary, without drastically altering Liverpool’s dynamic.

Comparing Chiesa to Salah: Different Profiles, Complementary Skills

While Chiesa may be eyed as a Salah backup, the two wingers bring different profiles to the pitch. Raghuraman emphasizes this distinction, saying, “Chiesa is not going to be a player who’s going to manage the goal or assist returns of Salah, whose numbers are mind-boggling for a winger.” Salah’s ability to consistently rack up goals and assists is unmatched, but Chiesa offers something different—raw pace and the ability to challenge defenders in one-on-one situations.

Chiesa’s style is more direct; he relies on his pace to beat defenders rather than intricate dribbling. “He’s more raw pace where he can knock the ball on the side of the defender before the defender reacts,” Raghuraman explains. This contrasts with Salah’s more evolved game, which now focuses more on positioning and passing rather than just speed and dribbling.

Injury Concerns and Squad Depth

One of the significant concerns when discussing any player as a backup is their ability to step up when the first-choice player is unavailable. Chiesa’s injury history, particularly his ACL injury, is something Liverpool fans might worry about. However, as Raghuraman notes, “Since his ACL injury, Chiesa does play best on the right, which is where he’s played most often across his career.”

Liverpool’s grueling schedule, especially with their involvement in multiple competitions, demands depth in every position. Having someone like Chiesa, who can not only fill in for Salah but also offer something different, could be crucial in maintaining the team’s performance across all fronts. “Given Liverpool will be in Europe and the increased games in the Champions League and both cups, that depth really helps,” says Raghuraman, emphasizing the importance of having a reliable alternative to Salah.

The Tactical Fit: How Chiesa Complements Klopp’s System

Analyzing Chiesa’s fit in Klopp’s system, Raghuraman draws comparisons with some of Arne Slot’s previous wingers, particularly those at Feyenoord. He suggests that Chiesa could be a throwback to the “old Salah,” someone who thrives on taking defenders on and delivering crosses, a style that aligns with what Slot has historically valued in his wingers.

“Chiesa is more accustomed and more like what Arne’s been dealing with in the past,” Raghuraman observes. This makes Chiesa a tactical asset, providing Liverpool with an option that can exploit defenses in ways different from Salah’s current style, which has evolved to be more about positioning and finishing than dribbling past opponents.

Strategic Addition for Liverpool

Federico Chiesa’s potential move to Liverpool would not only add depth but also tactical variety to Klopp’s forward line. While he might not replicate Salah’s goal-scoring prowess, his versatility, pace, and ability to take on defenders make him a valuable asset, especially when considering the demands of Liverpool’s season across multiple competitions. As Raghuraman aptly sums it up, having a player like Chiesa as a backup to Salah “might really help,” giving Liverpool the edge they need to compete at the highest level.