Chiesa’s impact from the bench bears echoes of Jota impact | OneFootball

Liverpool kickstarted the 2025/26 Premier League season with an action-packed 4-2 win over Bournemouth on Friday. The result came courtesy of late goals from Federico Chiesa and Mohamed Salah, in response to Antoine Semenyo’s ruthless double that restored parity midway through the second half. In several ways, Chiesa’s contribution to his side’s opening night victory drew parallels to their late ‘Forever 20’, Diogo Jota.

A Liverpool legend

The tragic passing of Portuguese international Diogo Jota in July overshadowed Liverpool’s preseason campaign, and was met with an outpouring of tributes by players and supporters alike. This culminated in Anfield observing a minute’s silence prior to Friday’s match, with a DJ20 mosaic raised by the Kop. Jota was a household name to football fans in Europe, signed for a reported £41 million from Wolves in 2020. A lethal first-touch finisher, he registered 63 goals in 190 Premier League appearances and was rarely not in the right place cutting inside from the left.

Despite his talent and versatility in front of goal, he was at times subject to Jürgen Klopp’s team rotation. In total, he made more than 50 appearances from the bench. However, many of his more recent cameos proved just how little time it took him to find a goal when the Reds needed it most. Last season, Jota headed in a corner with his first touch at the City Ground, replacing Ibrahima Konaté after 66 minutes. This rescued a precious point against Nottingham Forest, then sitting second place in the table. Liverpool went on to maintain a six-point gap at the top, and won the title. When Liverpool needed a saviour, Jota was on hand.

In a tribute to his Portugal teammate on Sky Sports Premier League’s YouTube channel, Bruno Fernandes described him as “very eager to win … [with] no ego at all”. Such qualities shone through in these instances and throughout Jota’s time with Liverpool. Ultimately, it ensured that last season’s champions had quality in depth and could rely on a star-studded bench.

Leading by example

Chiesa has had a hit-and-miss start to his career in Merseyside following his arrival from Juventus last season. The only addition to Slot’s team that summer, he would have to settle for watching the majority of the action from the sidelines rather participating in it. Chiesa was reportedly gearing up to leave Anfield, with talk of an exit prior to the start of the new season, as per Fabrizio Romano speaking to DaveOCKOP. But Liverpool’s focus shifted to a new striker, and with Hugo Ekitike’s signature secured, Romano claimed Chiesa “resolved to stay and prove himself.”

On Friday, Liverpool were seemingly on top and cruising to a win over Bournemouth – but Semenyo had other plans. Latching onto an accurate Adrien Truffert cross and then scoring a second after running from the edge of his own box, Liverpool needed a hero.

Enter Chiesa. There were shades of Jota’s timing in the finish when he whacked his volley into the bottom right corner. The ball fell rather unkindly and it required deft technique to execute a clean shot. After weeks of frustration, the Italian had his moment and seized it. Moreover, it reflected a familiar narrative to which Chiesa was the saviour as Jota had been on several occasions.

Following in Jota’s footsteps

It might be safe to assume that Liverpool will operate with a fixed starting eleven this season. Their squad has only gotten better with the additions of Ekitike and, in particular, Florian Wirtz. His ability to play in central midfield and as a wide playmaker is known by fans of both Bayer Leverkusen and continental football. The German notched 10 goals and 13 assists in the Bundesliga last season and covered over 11km in 82 minutes, creating 3 chances and expecting 0.38 assists against Bournemouth. He looks a great fit for Arne Slot’s system, calling on wingers to exact an intense press and contribute with goals in addition to setting up your teammates. Those numbers will likely only improve, as will those of Cody Gakpo. Chiesa may still be fearing irregular minutes in the side.

But there may be a remedy for his frustration. If not by coming in to cover injuries (of which Liverpool had just 22 last season) or suspensions, Chiesa may do well to follow Jota’s example. Patience was a virtue in waiting for an opportunity to leave his impact on a game numerous times. This would not deter the inside forward, who too was surrounded by some of the world’s most talented in his position.

The impact that Diogo Jota had on Liverpool’s fortunes both on and off the pitch is undeniable. His contributions stand as proof that there is always a way to forge your own unique role in a team with seemingly few weaknesses. What’s more, a team that seems to improve their playing staff year upon year. Federico Chiesa’s goal on Friday night was Jota-esque in both execution and timing in the match, but it also reflected his unwavering commitment to fight until the final whistle.

What’s next

Liverpool resume their title defence away to Newcastle United on Saturday 23rd August [15:00 BST]. By no means is that fixture a walk in the park, even with the absence of their frontman Alexander Isak. The Magpies recorded 38 points at home compared to 28 away last season, and they’ve also strengthened their back line, with Malick Thiaw arriving from AC Milan for a reported £34.6m. It’s very possible for Liverpool to build on their stop-start opening day victory – bt the Reds may need to call upon Chiesa once again to get over the line.