Southampton vs Liverpool: Why Chiesa Could Be Key in the EFL Cup | OneFootball

Should Federico Chiesa Start The EFL Cup Quarter Final?

Despite the disappointment that comes with back-to-back draws in the Premier League, the character shown by the Liverpool team (against Fulham on Sunday) can hopefully reignite sporting purpose during this hectic Christmas schedule. During their hardening second-half display at Anfield, it would be Ryan Gravenberch who stood out the most with his multifunctional display that was needed within a 10-man lineup. As well as that stellar performance by the Dutch midfielder, the reintroduction of Diogo Jota showed what the return of a brilliant striking asset can add to the Merseyside title challenges.

In addition to the uplifting goalscoring display by the Portuguese International, his Uruguayan teammate, Darwin Núñez, offered an energetic cameo from the bench which culminated in his assist for Jota’s late equaliser. With the EFL cup quarter-final set to be played out this week, there is now perhaps another name which becomes more prominent on the selection table, one that will be desperate to make a strong impression on the Reds head coach, Arne Slot.

Which Player Can Stake a Claim In This Cup Tie?

Unfortunately, various sections of social media related to Liverpool Football Club continue to discredit the opportunistic signing of the Italian international, Federico Chiesa. In a deal that cost just £10 million, Juventus were left with little option but to part ways with the 51-cap Italy hitman, given his dwindling contract and historical injury issues. Regardless of how certain supporters view the 27-year-old, there is no denying the ability of the former Fiorentina attacker and what he may bring to the Premier League leaders. With only one appearance under his Anfield belt so far, a continuing fitness regime was implemented early in the campaign to overcome the lack of a preseason during the summer months. An internal decision was made to rebuild and remould the physicality of the Italy superstar, which appears to have reached some form of completion. A trip to Southampton is set to befall Slot’s men on Wednesday evening, therefore, this encounter may represent the perfect opportunity to fully blood the man who was once heralded as a world-class entity.

What Should We Expect from The Man Who Was Once Valued at £100 Million?

Patience is something that is not always afforded in this sport, where immediate impact is often desired at all costs. Luckily for the son of Enrico Chiesa, the attacking stable on the red half of Merseyside is currently fully fit and varying between good to outstanding levels of form. What this week represents is an opportunity to make an impression on the uncertain fanbase and a coaching staff that may well throw him into this game from the outset. The value of the player can only ever be determined by their production on the pitch, which often stems from a desire to succeed. As someone who regularly watched the early progression of the Genoa-born prodigy, I was overjoyed to see his arrival at the AXA Training Centre in the summer window. The notion that he has already failed is unfair to the player, as he slowly builds to a sustainable level that can absorb the demands of this ferocious English league.

Will He Make That Impact?

With the Saints having just sacked their former manager, Russell Martin, it will have created indecision in their ranks. The timeframe between their 0-5 loss at home to Spurs (on Sunday) and their next match leaves little time for on-pitch coordination to be enforced. This type of scenario is where I hope the likes of Diogo Jota, Harvey Elliott, and Federico Chiesa are given the appropriate minutes to regain match fitness and form. The time to shine is fast approaching for the former Juve striker, Chiesa, who may just be the perfect man at the perfect moment in time.