Liverpool manager Arne Slot has delivered a clear verdict on Federico Chiesa's role, praising the Italian's significant impact as a substitute while acknowledging the intense competition that keeps him from the starting lineup.
Super-Sub Status Secured by Crucial Contributions
Federico Chiesa is yet to start a Premier League match for Liverpool this season, with all ten of his league outings coming from the bench. Despite this, the forward has carved out a vital role for himself, delivering several decisive moments. He scored a late winner on the opening night against Bournemouth and netted another crucial late goal in the dramatic draw at Crystal Palace.
His latest contribution was a defensive one, with a vital intervention to deny Sunderland a win at Anfield on Wednesday. Slot highlighted this moment, stating it showcased a winning mentality when others might have given up.
Slot's Verdict: Praise with a Caveat
While insisting every player has a chance to start, the Dutch coach was frank about the situation. "We have many options to start in his position," Slot said, directly addressing the competition Chiesa faces from other attackers in the squad. He explicitly hailed the 27-year-old's influence as a substitute, a compliment that may inadvertently solidify his status as an impact player.
"He has had an impact coming off the bench a few times," Slot noted, before praising his defensive work against Sunderland. The manager's comments suggest Chiesa's very effectiveness in his current role could be a factor in him remaining there.
Wirtz's Struggle Contrasts with Chiesa's Niche
The situation contrasts with that of fellow summer signing Florian Wirtz. The German playmaker has been handed starts but has endured a difficult adaptation to English football. He thought he had scored his first Liverpool goal against Sunderland, only for it to be ruled an own goal.
Slot urged Wirtz to find confidence from his overall play, not just goals. "If you only have confidence from goals that is the wrong thing," he advised, pointing to the player's willingness to receive the ball as a positive sign.
Broader Context: Liverpool's League Position
These individual battles occur against a backdrop of frustration for the club. The draw with Sunderland left Liverpool in ninth place, having lost more ground on the teams above them. Slot identified a return to the top four as the immediate and clear objective for his team.
"It's definitely our first aim to come back to the top four because we are obviously not happy with the position we are in at the moment," the manager stated, underlining the need for improvement from the whole squad as the season progresses.
