Arne Slot Impressed by Federico Chiesa’s First Full Start for Liverpool

Liverpool head coach Arne Slot expressed his delight following Federico Chiesa’s impressive full debut in the Reds’ 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over West Ham. Slot was surprised by Chiesa’s fitness and the positive impact he made during his first start for the club.

Chiesa’s Solid Contribution

Federico Chiesa has been easing his way into the Liverpool squad with substitute appearances against AC Milan and Bournemouth. However, it was his full debut against West Ham that caught the attention of fans and management alike. Playing on the right side of Slot’s attacking setup, Chiesa made an immediate impact, contributing to Diogo Jota’s equaliser. The Italian winger volleyed a ball that Jota managed to head in, turning the game in Liverpool’s favour.

While his passing stats were modest – completing 9 out of 12 passes – Chiesa created two chances for his teammates during his 59 minutes on the pitch. It was an encouraging performance, particularly given his limited playing time over recent months.

Arne Slot’s Praise for Chiesa

Arne Slot was pleasantly surprised by how long Chiesa lasted in his first full outing. Speaking to reporters after the match, he said:

“It was pleasing to see that he could already play 60 minutes because he has played hardly any minutes in the last three or four months.”

Slot acknowledged Chiesa’s need to build match fitness but was thrilled with his work ethic and contribution. He added:

“He assisted, although it was a shot on target that was ‘promoted’ by Jota to a goal! Worked really hard, I think it’s normal that he’s not already at the top of his ability.”

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What Lies Ahead for Chiesa at Liverpool

Chiesa’s bright start has certainly made an impression. According to Slot, the Italian winger will need time to adapt to Liverpool’s playing style, his new teammates, and the demands of English football. However, his natural enthusiasm and ability have already made him a valuable asset for the team.

The likelihood is that Chiesa will not start against Wolves this weekend, but he may play a crucial role as a substitute. Slot’s confidence in Chiesa’s potential is clear, and with more match fitness, the Italian looks set to become a key player for Liverpool as the season progresses.