Federico Chiesa Faces Tough Path to Liverpool First Team

Federico Chiesa’s arrival at Liverpool brought him high expectations, but the Italian winger’s journey to a regular first-team spot has been anything but smooth. Liverpool manager Arne Slot has acknowledged the challenges Chiesa faces, citing both his physical readiness and the stiff competition within the squad. While Slot foresees a role for the summer signing in the demanding second half of the season, the 27-year-old will need to fight for his opportunities.

Chiesa’s transfer to Liverpool from Juventus in a £10 million deal occurred late in the summer transfer window, leaving him with no time for pre-season preparations. Having been sidelined at Juventus, he arrived on Merseyside lacking the match fitness needed to compete at the highest level.

Injuries and illness further hampered his start, limiting Chiesa to just four appearances so far—only one of which was as a starter. The winger has yet to establish himself in a Liverpool team stacked with talent, as key players like Mohamed Salah, Cody Gakpo, and Luis Díaz dominate the attacking roles.

“Federico came to us in less-than-ideal circumstances,” Slot explained. “He joined a squad that had already undergone rigorous training and preparation, while he was still working to regain his sharpness. His journey here has been challenging, but that doesn’t mean he won’t have opportunities to make an impact.”

Chiesa is expected to get his next chance in Liverpool’s FA Cup third-round match against League Two side Accrington Stanley, a fixture that could serve as a springboard for his comeback.

Chiesa’s fight for minutes is further complicated by Liverpool’s wealth of attacking options. Mohamed Salah continues to deliver world-class performances on the right wing, while Gakpo and Díaz excel on the left. Add in the versatility of Diogo Jota and Darwin Núñez, and it’s clear that Chiesa faces one of the most competitive environments in football.

Slot highlighted Chiesa’s challenges: “Competing with players like Salah, Gakpo, and Díaz isn’t easy. Mo, for example, is not just consistent; he’s relentless. He returned to pre-season in peak condition and works tirelessly to stay at his best. That level of dedication sets the standard for everyone else.”

Despite the tough road ahead, Slot remains optimistic about Chiesa’s potential contributions. “The second half of the season is critical,” Slot said. “We’ll need everyone ready to step in when called upon, and Federico has shown glimpses of what he can bring to the team. His time will come, but it’s up to him to seize it.”