Not Leaving Liverpool, Chiesa Has Changed And Has An Important Role

JAKARTA - Liverpool manager Arne Slot has seen Federico Chiesa who is very different from 12 months ago. He believes it is reflected in his contribution to changing the course of the match from the bench in the Premier League opener on August 16, 2025.

The Italian has had a difficult first season at Anfield due to fitness problems that limited him to only 14 appearances. The only starter in the league came against Brighton after the title was won.

However, he has had a significant impact after being put in just eight minutes remaining against Bournemouth at Anfield, which Liverpool won 4-2.

The 27-year-old, who replaced Florian Wirtz in the game - the player who broke the club's transfer record - scored a volley in the 88th minute to further confirm his status as a supersub.

His goal led the Reds to a 3-2 lead after being equalized 2-2 by Bournemouth.

With Liverpool's attacking options reduced - from six to four - Chiesa could still play a bigger role, just a month after it seems he will leave.

"I see Federico now is completely different than most last season. That's only natural because he missed the whole pre-season and then returned to the rhythm of the Premier League in terms of the number of matches and intensity."

"If he is more available then he has more opportunities to influence our results or playing minutes. However, the point is that he remains as fit as he is today."

"He's in a much better position right now. As we all see, when we needed goals and I saw on the bench, I only had him and Rio (Ngumoha) - a 16-year-old player as an attacking option."

"For me, even though Rio played very well in pre-season, it was a pretty normal choice to sign him and he succeeded," said Arne Slot at ESPN.

Meanwhile, Chiesa has joined Anfield with compatriot Giovanni Leoni, an 18-year-old defender who has just started his career.

This highly valued center-back is priced at 26 million pounds. After an adaptation for a week, it will most likely be included in the squad to play Newcastle United on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, early morning WIB.

"I think he's been training with us three times. If you look at the transfer fee, you could guess that he's mature enough for his age. That's what I see."

"He came as an 18-year-old player who only played with his new colleagues, as if he had been here for a long time."

"It's amazing, if you look at how high he is, fast, and comfortable he is in possession of the ball. There's a reason why we paid the transfer fee because we see it as a bright prospect."

"It also shows something about this team. If you come to this club, if you join this team, you will feel comfortable from the start because this is a very good and fun team to start your career at Liverpool," Slot said of the player of the U-19 Italian National Team.