Liverpool’s Transformation Under Arne Slot
Liverpool’s head coach, Arne Slot, has expressed his astonishment at the transformation of Federico Chiesa compared to last year, particularly highlighting the player’s recent impactful performance as they kicked off their Premier League title defense.
Challenging Season for Chiesa
Last season proved challenging for the 27-year-old forward, whose time at Anfield was hampered by injuries, resulting in only 14 appearances and a singular league start following their title clinch, which occurred at Brighton.
Impactful Performance Against Bournemouth
However, Chiesa made a significant impression last Saturday when he came on late in the match against Bournemouth, contributing decisively to Liverpool’s comeback from a 2-0 position. Seizing an opportunity just two minutes before full time, he netted a crucial volley, solidifying his emergence as a fan favorite.
The current roster has trimmed Liverpool’s attacking options from six down to four, positioning Chiesa for a more pivotal role, especially as speculation about his potential departure had swirled just weeks prior.
“I notice a completely different Federico now than what we had seen for much of the last season,”
Slot remarked.
He noted the natural progression that comes from being able to participate in pre-season training, which Chiesa missed last year, and then adapting to the Premier League’s demanding schedule.
“Increased fitness heightens his chances of impacting matches,”
Slot continued, acknowledging that other attacking choices were limited, leaving him to rely on young talent like 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha during critical moments of the match.
Newcomer Giovanni Leoni
Accompanying Chiesa at Liverpool is fellow Italian and newcomer Giovanni Leoni, an 18-year-old defender acquired for £26 million ($35 million), who is set to potentially make his first appearance against Newcastle next week following a brief adjustment period.
“He has trained with us a few times now,”
Slot shared about Leoni. “Given his transfer fee, it’s clear he’s quite mature for his age, and that’s evident in how seamlessly he integrated with the team.”
Slot underscored Leoni’s impressive attributes, from his impressive height and speed to his technical comfort, which justified the investment made in him. He concluded by emphasizing that the welcoming culture at Liverpool fosters a smooth transition for newcomers like Leoni, making for an encouraging environment as they embark on their careers with the club.
