Federico Chiesa, a 27-year-old forward who has also had results for Fiorentina, Juventus and the Italian national team, joined Liverpool last summer after being ruled out of the squad by Torino.
He hardly saw any time on the pitch in the first half of the season, partly due to poor conditions.
Recently, however, he has been getting more opportunities. Although his playing time is still short, there is a strong impression that he is regaining his sharpness.
The aim now will be to keep him in good condition and keep him on the pitch, even if it is only for a few minutes.
Former Italy midfielder Roberto Di Matteo, who has previously managed Chelsea and West Bromwich Albion, is confident that the Genoa-born Italian winger will be successful in England, but noted that injuries are his only weakness.
“I definitely think he [Chiesa] can be a success,”
“He is one of the best Italian players. His only downfall has been injuries.
“He has always had a few injuries in his career. If he can get fully fit and stay continuously fit and play games, he is a great player.
“I can see why Liverpool would sign him. It’s a great move, going to Liverpool – a fantastic iconic club, challenges for the Premier League, for the Champions League.
“But Arne Slot said that he has good competition from the guys ahead of him – Mo Salah, Luis Diaz etc – so it’s not easy to get into the Liverpool team.
“I think he will be an asset for them in the second half of the season. He’s looking better now, he’s played a few games, and he’s a great player if he can stay fit.”
GOAL