Arne Slot shares honest Federico Chiesa verdict after full Liverpool debut

-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)
-Credit: (Image: Reach Publishing Services Limited)


Arne Slot was full of praise for Federico Chiesa after the forward marked his full Liverpool debut with an assist in Wednesday's Carabao Cup win over West Ham United.

The Italy international, who moved to Anfield in a £10m deal from Juventus last month and had already made appearances for the club in recent wins against AC Milan and Bournemouth, was handed a first start at Anfield as Slot made nine changes from the side that beat Bournemouth.

Asked for his assessment of Chiesa's performance after the 26-year-old helped Liverpool to a come-from-behind win as he assisted Diogo Jota's first goal of the night in the 25th minute before a strike from Mohamed Salah and a brace from Cody Gakpo sealed a comprehensive 5-1 triumph, Slot said: "I was pleased to see he could already play 60 minutes because - I think I said last press conference - he's hardly played any minutes in the last three or four months.

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"For him, it's important to get - apart from getting match fitness - playing minutes and that's what he got today. He assisted...although it was a shot on target that was promoted by Diogo to a goal. He worked really hard.

"I think it is normal that he's not already at the top of his ability. He has to get used to the club; his team-mates; adjust to the playing style. But it was very good to see how fit he already is, so we can use him if we need him."