The Chiesa Conundrum, Liverpool’s Brightest Spark Left Waiting in the Wings
A look at the Italian forward whose impact shines through limited minutes, and why Liverpool cannot afford to keep overlooking him.
Why Liverpool Fans Are Turning to Federico Chiesa
Like a rainbow on a cloudy day Federico Chiesa’s brief cameos are the only bright spark in Liverpool’s otherwise dull performances these days.
Never has a player been so adored by the club’s supporters and yet has played such few minutes. It helps that he has a catchy song that gets Anfield turning into a party atmosphere even on sullen days, but it’s not just the chant that makes the fans so enamoured with Chiesa.
At a time of darkness, he seems like the only player fighting for the shirt. The one player who comes on and looks like he has passion. The only one who understands what it means to wear that Liver Bird on his chest and the responsibilities that come with it.
Chiesa’s halfway sprint to clear Wilson Isidor’s shot off the line against Sunderland demonstrated that ever so clearly. With that moment he may have temporarily saved Arne Slot’s position as head-coach of the club.
Yet ironically it is Slot who shows little gratitude for Chiesa. The Italian has played 398 minutes in total for Liverpool this season.
This is by far the fewest among Liverpool’s senior players. Only Rio Ngumoha, Wataru Endo and Trey Nyoni have played fewer minutes.