Federico Chiesa handed ENORMOUS Liverpool opportunity

Federico Chiesa has landed himself a massive opportunity at Liverpool. The Italian has been waiting for this.

Federico Chiesa joined Liverpool back in August 2024 and was a surprise signing. Still, he felt like a smart one - a player the Reds had tracked for a long time, available for a tenth of what they were originally quoted.

Chiesa had the pedigree, too. A direct, aggressive winger who had starred for Italy when they won the Euros in 2021.

It all made sense. And then he didn't play.

Chiesa arrived at Liverpool without a pre-season, having been cast out at Juventus. He simply didn't have the fitness to play at first and so Arne Slot didn't use him.

However, Slot also didn't use Chiesa even after he'd found his feet. Just six Premier League appearances with one start - numbers that still look absolutely incredible.

Everyone expected Chiesa to leave in the summer for a club where he'd actually play but he chose to stay. He refuses to give up on his Anfield dream and that's led to more minutes this season than he had across the entirety of his debut campaign.

But still no starts. Maybe, though, he's finally been handed the opportunity he's waiting for.

Federico Chiesa's big chance

One of Chiesa's big problems has been Mo Salah, someone who takes away one of the positions available to the Italian by being there in the team every week. That changes on Sunday, however, as Salah was left out of the team.

It suggests Slot is willing to try something different there for the first time. Could that end up being Chiesa?

Well, we'll probably find out. Salah will leave for the Africa Cup of Nations later this month and it was confirmed on Tuesday that he will link up with Egypt on the 15th.

It means the meeting with Brighton on the 13th is his final fixture before disappearing for a bit. It could end up being as many as seven games.

That presents a massive chance for Chiesa. The right flank is now free for someone to claim, if only for a while, and we may even see the player start in the Premier League.

We'd certainly love to see it. Chiesa is a fan-favourite for good reason and now he has opportunities to play on both flanks, as well as through the middle.

Games will come thick and fast, too - Slot has not choice but to rotate his squad a bit. Again, it should bring about chances for Chiesa and an opportunity to see what he can do as a starting player.

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