Federico Chiesa Finally Gets His Shot at Liverpool – But Will He Take It?
After months of frustration and speculation, it looks like Federico Chiesa may finally have the opening he’s been craving at Liverpool. The Italian winger’s patience could be about to pay off in a big way.
When Chiesa arrived at Anfield in August 2024, few could believe Liverpool had managed to secure a player of his calibre for a fraction of the price once demanded by Juventus. It was a low-risk, high-upside move — the kind of calculated signing that showed Liverpool’s long-term scouting vision. Here was a former Euro 2021 hero with electric pace, direct running, and proven pedigree. Everything about the transfer seemed to make sense.
But then came the confusion: he barely played.
Having arrived late and without a pre-season after being sidelined at Juventus, Chiesa struggled to reach full fitness. Manager Arne Slot, understandably cautious, kept him on the fringes during those early weeks. Yet even when Chiesa was back to his best physically, appearances remained hard to come by. By the end of his debut campaign, he managed just six league outings — only one as a starter. For a player of his quality, those numbers were staggering.
Most fans and pundits expected Chiesa to push for an exit last summer. Instead, he made the bold call to stay and fight for his place. That decision, driven by his desire to prove himself in a Liverpool shirt, is finally beginning to bear fruit. This season, he’s earned more minutes than the entirety of last year — though still no Premier League starts.
But that might be about to change.
The Door Opens: Salah’s Absence Creates a Chance
One of the main reasons Chiesa has been stuck on the bench is, of course, Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian talisman occupies the right flank week after week, leaving little room for anyone else. But this week, things took a turn. Salah was notably absent from the lineup — a move that could signal Slot’s readiness to shake things up.
Here’s the twist: Salah will soon join Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations. He’s set to depart on December 15, meaning Liverpool’s clash with Brighton on the 13th will likely be his final appearance before an extended break. Depending on the team’s progress, he could miss up to seven matches.
That creates a golden opportunity for someone to step in and make the spot their own — at least temporarily. The timing couldn’t be better for Chiesa. The schedule ahead is congested, forcing Slot to rotate his squad regularly. And with his versatility to play on either flank or even through the middle, Chiesa offers tactical flexibility that could prove invaluable.
A Defining Spell Ahead
For Liverpool fans, this potential storyline is compelling. Chiesa is a player they’ve admired from afar — one whose intensity and flair mirror the club’s attacking identity. Supporters are eager to finally see what he can deliver when given a true run in the side.
Still, there’s an underlying debate: did Slot wait too long to unleash him? Some argue his limited use so far has been a waste of talent; others believe the slow integration has been necessary to rebuild his confidence and rhythm. Either way, with Salah’s temporary departure, the stage is set for Chiesa to write his own redemption chapter.
So the big question now: can he seize this long-awaited moment and silence the doubters? Or will he fade back into the shadows of Liverpool’s deep attacking lineup?
What do you think — has Chiesa been unfairly overlooked, or is Slot right to be cautious before handing him full responsibility? Share your thoughts below — this debate is far from over.
