‘You can see’: Steve McManaman delivers verdict on Federico Chiesa after first start in more than four months

Federico Chiesa’s return to the Liverpool starting lineup was a moment that had been eagerly anticipated by many. The Italian forward had endured a challenging period on the sidelines, suffering from injury setbacks and finding himself relegated to the bench for much of the season. His previous start had been in the Carabao Cup against West Ham back in September, but his appearance at the Philips Stadion in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven marked a significant moment in his journey back to form.

Liverpool had traveled to the Netherlands to face Eredivisie leaders PSV Eindhoven, aiming to maintain their perfect record in the Champions League. However, the Reds’ hopes were dashed in a frustrating 3-2 defeat. Despite initially taking a 2-1 lead into halftime, a series of defensive lapses in stoppage time allowed PSV to take control and secure the victory. Yet, amid the disappointment, there was a silver lining, and that was Chiesa’s performance in the attack.

The 27-year-old was eager to impress after being given a rare opportunity to start. He had been waiting for this moment for months, and he certainly made his presence felt. Chiesa was active from the very beginning, demonstrating his sharpness and skill despite the rustiness that came with his time away from competitive action. His first-half contributions were key in helping Liverpool to stay in the game, particularly his ability to win a penalty, which was calmly converted by Cody Gakpo.

Chiesa’s involvement didn’t stop there. He was at the heart of a second goal for Liverpool as well, with his shot being parried into the path of Harvey Elliott, who made no mistake in converting it into a goal. These contributions showcased his quality and the potential he brings to the table for Jurgen Klopp’s squad.

On commentary for TNT Sports, former Liverpool winger Steve McManaman shared his thoughts on Chiesa’s performance, praising the Italian for his sharpness and skill. “You can see with Federico Chiesa, despite all his injury worries, he’s still got the skill,” McManaman said. “A couple of double step-overs, check back onto his right foot, just the final ball was lacking.” The pundit highlighted that, although Chiesa’s decision-making in the final third wasn’t perfect, his overall performance was solid, and his fitness levels appeared to be on the up.

McManaman was impressed with Chiesa’s energy and noted that the winger’s confidence and touch were visibly improving. “He’s looked nice and sharp though, Chiesa,” McManaman added. “He just needs to play more games. He started today, gets on the ball, his fitness levels look good. But you still can’t take any chances. A good run-out for Federico Chiesa tonight.”

One notable aspect of Chiesa’s return was his ability to complete the full 90 minutes of the match. Given that Liverpool had a relatively young squad for this game, with several key players absent, Klopp and Slot opted to keep Chiesa on the field for the entirety of the game, ensuring that he got as many minutes under his belt as possible. It was a surprising move, considering the player’s recent lack of match fitness, but it demonstrated the faith that Liverpool’s coaching staff have in Chiesa’s abilities.

This 90-minute performance was invaluable for Chiesa, who had not been in top form for some time. Having been sidelined by injuries and struggling for consistent minutes, the match offered him an important opportunity to regain his rhythm. With the intensity of the game against PSV, Chiesa had the chance to test his fitness and improve his match sharpness.

Despite the defeat, Chiesa’s performance against PSV was one of the few positives for Liverpool to take away. His movement and dribbling ability were evident, with defenders constantly having to keep an eye on him. His direct style of play and the threat he posed with the ball at his feet could be seen as a glimpse of the quality Liverpool’s attack needs.

Arne Slot, the Liverpool coach, will no doubt be hoping that Chiesa can continue to build on this display in the coming matches. The Italian international has the potential to become a key figure in Liverpool’s offensive setup, but it’s clear that he needs more time on the pitch to regain his full match fitness and consistency.

Chiesa’s performance against PSV should serve as a reminder of the quality that the 27-year-old possesses. He has the ability to be a match-winner for Liverpool, and if he can stay fit and remain in the starting lineup, he could prove to be an invaluable asset as the season progresses. Klopp and the coaching staff will need to ensure that Chiesa continues to get minutes, especially with Liverpool’s schedule becoming more demanding in the coming weeks.

It’s been a long road to recovery for Chiesa, but this performance against PSV was a step in the right direction. He’ll be looking to build on it and prove to Liverpool fans and staff alike that he can be a reliable contributor for the remainder of the season.

As for McManaman’s verdict, it was clear that he believes in Chiesa’s potential. He acknowledged that the player had not reached his peak yet, but there was plenty to be excited about moving forward. With more playing time, McManaman believes that Chiesa can become a more decisive figure for Liverpool.

In summary, Federico Chiesa’s first start for Liverpool in over four months was a mixed but encouraging display. His ability to influence the game was evident, and despite the team’s overall disappointment in losing to PSV, Chiesa can take a lot of positives from his performance. With more time on the pitch, he’ll only continue to improve, and Liverpool fans will be hoping that this marks the start of a strong run of form for the Italian winger.