How Federico Chiesa Could Transform Liverpool’s Attack | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa to Liverpool: Why the Italian Star Could Be a Perfect Fit at Anfield

Liverpool’s pursuit of Juventus and Italy winger Federico Chiesa has sent ripples through the footballing world. With just a year left on his contract, Chiesa is reportedly available for around €15 million (£12.7 million; $16.7 million). For a player of his calibre, this is a deal that seems almost too good to be true. However, there is method to the Reds’ interest in the 26-year-old, and here, we delve into why Liverpool could benefit from bringing Chiesa to Anfield.

Strengthening the Forward Line

Liverpool have been quietly reshaping their squad this summer, and while their attacking options are already impressive, the addition of Chiesa could provide a significant boost. With Mohamed Salah, Diogo Jota, Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Núñez already in the ranks, Liverpool’s front line is formidable. However, Chiesa offers something different, and his experience could be invaluable.

Chiesa’s preferred position is on the right wing, where he would serve as an understudy to Salah. With new head coach Arne Slot favouring Jota and Núñez as central strikers, and Díaz and Gakpo primarily occupying the left flank, Chiesa’s arrival would add depth and quality to the right side of the pitch. Salah’s consistency and durability have meant that Liverpool have not had to worry about a backup in this role for several seasons, but with Salah now 32 years old, a strategic reinforcement seems prudent.

Arne Slot’s Vision for Wingers

Under Arne Slot’s guidance, wingers play a crucial role in Liverpool’s system. Slot values unpredictability, one-on-one duelling ability, and the capacity to progress the ball effectively. Chiesa’s versatility and ability to drift inside, creating space for overlapping full-backs, make him a perfect fit for Slot’s tactical vision.

Photo: @LFC

While Chiesa’s 2023-24 season at Juventus was challenging, his overall profile aligns well with what Slot demands from his wide players. His ability to deliver low crosses from the byline and his knack for linking up with teammates will provide Liverpool with a new dimension in attack. His familiarity with operating across various positions in the forward line only enhances his appeal.

Overcoming Injury Concerns

One aspect that Liverpool must consider is Chiesa’s injury history. A cruciate ligament tear during the 2021-22 season sidelined him for a significant period, and while he recovered to make 33 appearances for Juventus last season, there are still lingering concerns about his long-term fitness.

However, Slot has an impressive record in injury prevention, and with Liverpool’s physical performance coach, Ruben Peeters, overseeing the squad’s conditioning, there is optimism that Chiesa could be managed effectively. Moreover, given the depth of Liverpool’s forward line, Chiesa would likely be used strategically, reducing the risk of overexertion and injury recurrence.

Potential Implications for Salah’s Future

Chiesa’s potential arrival at Anfield raises questions about Salah’s future. While the Italian winger is unlikely to displace Salah from the starting XI in the immediate term, his presence could hint at longer-term succession planning. Salah is entering the final year of his contract, and with negotiations over a renewal yet to begin, Liverpool might be hedging their bets.

Photo: IMAGO

Salah’s early season form—two goals and an assist in the opening two games—suggests he remains at the peak of his powers. But as Liverpool begin to think about life beyond their Egyptian talisman, Chiesa could represent a smooth transition. Even if Salah extends his stay at Anfield, the Italian would provide valuable cover and ensure that Liverpool do not become over-reliant on their star man.

Tactical Benefits of Adding Chiesa

Beyond the financial and squad management aspects, the potential acquisition of Chiesa offers intriguing tactical possibilities for Liverpool. Over his career, Chiesa has played across all three attacking positions, making him a versatile asset. While Liverpool have ample cover on the left, they lack genuine alternatives to Salah on the right, and Chiesa’s arrival could address that imbalance.

Liverpool’s attacking statistics from their opening Premier League fixtures indicate a slight bias towards the left flank, with 37% of their attacking touches coming from that side, compared to 34% on the right. This continues a trend from last season when Liverpool’s right-side attacks dipped to 36%, down from 39% in 2022-23. Salah’s evolution into more of a playmaker, with fewer dribbling attempts and more progressive passes, has been a factor in this shift.

Chiesa, known for his ball-carrying ability and close control, could help redress the balance. His capacity to beat defenders and create opportunities from wide areas would bring Liverpool closer to the high-octane, aggressive style that has been their hallmark under previous management.

Addressing Creative Gaps

Chiesa’s creativity would also be a welcome addition to Liverpool’s arsenal. Last season, despite registering only two assists in Serie A, his expected assisted goals (xAG) stood at 6.2, indicating that he was creating quality chances that his teammates failed to convert. His dribbling prowess, with 0.6 shot-creating actions (SCAs) per 90 minutes from take-ons, ranks him among the top 4% of attackers in Serie A.

At Liverpool, Chiesa could thrive in a system that places a premium on quick transitions and creative play from wide positions. While Salah has become more of a facilitator, Chiesa could offer a direct, incisive threat, particularly in matches where Liverpool need to unlock stubborn defences.

Final Thoughts: A Strategic Acquisition

Federico Chiesa’s potential move to Liverpool represents a blend of strategic planning and opportunistic transfer market activity. For a reported fee of just €15 million, Liverpool would be acquiring a player with immense potential, capable of contributing across multiple attacking roles.

His injury history may pose a concern, but with careful management, Chiesa could flourish at Anfield. Whether as cover for Salah or as part of a broader tactical shift under Arne Slot, the Italian international has the tools to make a significant impact.

As Liverpool continue to evolve under new leadership, Chiesa’s arrival could signal a new era of attacking dynamism. Whether or not this deal ultimately materialises, it’s clear that Liverpool are planning for the future while still aiming to compete at the highest level.

Statistical Analysis by EPL Index

Federico Chiesa has emerged as one of Europe’s most versatile forwards, and his performance data over the last 365 days underscores his significant contributions across various aspects of the game. The radar chart from FBCharts, using data from FBref, provides a detailed statistical breakdown of his output, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement.

Chiesa’s Attacking Impact

The chart clearly shows that Chiesa excels in shot-creating actions, where he ranks in the 99th percentile among forwards. This is a testament to his creativity and ability to generate scoring opportunities, a crucial attribute for any forward. Additionally, his expected assisted goals (xAG) is in the 94th percentile, emphasising his playmaking skills. However, when it comes to actual non-penalty goals, Chiesa’s performance dips significantly to the 4th percentile, revealing a gap between chance creation and conversion.

Possession and Progression

Chiesa’s strength isn’t limited to creating chances. His progressive carries rank in the 97th percentile, indicating his ability to drive the ball forward and influence play from deeper positions. His successful take-ons, at the 86th percentile, further establish him as a potent dribbler. His passing game, as seen in the 83rd percentile for passes attempted and 86th percentile for progressive passes, indicates that Chiesa is not only a threat with the ball at his feet but also a key distributor in possession.

Defensive and Aerial Struggles

On the defensive side, Chiesa’s stats reveal some limitations. His tackles and interceptions (Tkl+Int) are in the 64th percentile, which is respectable but could be improved. His aerial prowess, however, is a notable weakness, ranking in the 1st percentile for aerial duels won.

In conclusion, Federico Chiesa’s performance data highlights a forward who excels in creative and progressive aspects of the game but has room for improvement in finishing and defensive contributions.