Liverpool attacker Federico Chiesa has been told that he is “doing great” at Anfield by his father and former footballer Enrico.
Much was made of Liverpool securing a deal that was perceived to be value for money when they signed Chiesa from Juventus for £12.5m last summer.
However, the Italy international has endured a miserable campaign from an individual perspective, making just three starts and eight substitute outings in all competitions.
The second of his two goals came during the EFL Cup final against Newcastle United earlier this month, Arne Slot deciding to introduce the 27-year-old having left him on the substitutes’ bench for more than a month.
Ahead of the resumption of action after the March international break, it remains to be seen whether his productive 16-minute cameo at Wembley will lead to more opportunities in the Premier League.
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“Federico is doing great”
Chiesa comes from a strong footballing background with his father Enrico a legend in Serie A through his goalscoring exploits for a range of different clubs.
Enrico, also a former Italy international, spent his entire career in his homeland, and he has suggested that Federico showing patience in the short term will benefit him going forward.
Speaking to Tuttosport, Enrico said: “Federico is doing great in Liverpool, he is in a top club that is first in the league and now we hope they win the Premier League.
“He is there to play his cards, he has a great chance. This summer I told him what I have been telling him since he was little. Because, in reality, until he was 15 he didn’t play often and when he asked me ‘What should I do?’
“I told him to keep training, not to give up, to be ready when his time came.”
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Can Chiesa have a long-term Liverpool future?
Such has been the disappointment of Chiesa’s first campaign at Liverpool that the majority of Italian football’s biggest clubs have been linked with his signature.
Nevertheless, it appears that his current focus is to change opinion in England having featured for just 387 minutes in all competitions.
His return of two goals and two assists is respectable enough, yet winning over Slot may prove to be the biggest obstacle.
With Liverpool looking fatigued over the past month, it would make sense to hand Chiesa opportunities during the run-in to help determine whether he could make an impact next season.
Liverpool are already facing the possibility of a disruptive summer and minimising upheaval in the squad could benefit them.
