Chiesa’s new Liverpool role predicted by Allegri | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa started his first Premier League game for Liverpool on Monday, playing as a centre-forward, a role that Massimiliano Allegri had predicted for the ex-Juventus star a few years ago.

Chiesa made his first Liverpool start in the Premier League earlier this week, playing through the middle of the Reds’ three-man attack in Brighton.

Although he only played for 63 minutes in a 3-2 loss, Slot was happy with what he saw from Chiesa at the Amex Stadium.

“I think the big quality Federico has is scoring goals, so the more you get him minutes around the box, the bigger chances he has to score a goal,” Slot said at a post-match press conference.

“He got a good chance before Mo had his big chance. Mo [Salah] assisted Federico for him to have an open shot from 18 yards. It was a good chance for Federico because he’s such a great finisher.

What Slot said about Chiesa

“I think he did even more than what I expected from him. If you haven’t played throughout the season, and then playing Brighton away which is a very good team. For him to be out for so long and play a game like this is more than I could expect.”

Chiesa’s new Liverpool role is not entirely new for the ex-Juventus star.

ROME, ITALY – APRIL 23: Massimiliano Allegri, Head Coach of Juventus, looks on prior to the Coppa Italia Semi-final Second Leg match between SS Lazio and Juventus FC at Stadio Olimpico on April 23, 2024 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

The 27-year-old, in fact, had already played a few games as a centre striker in Turin, under Massimiliano Allegri.

The Italian tactician had predicted in 2021 that Chiesa would move from the flanks to the middle of the attack in the later stages of his career.

“I told Federico my evaluation, which is that he can play as a centre-forward or a support striker,” Allegri said more than three years ago.

Chiesa has scored two goals and provided two assists in 14 appearances across all competitions with Liverpool this term.

His contract at Anfield runs out in June 2028.