Sports
Federico Chiesa’s Display vs Wolves Shows Arne Slot Was Right About Him
Federico Chiesa was handed his first-ever Premier League start at Anfield since his move from Juventus to Liverpool in the summer of 2024 as Arne Slot’s Reds picked up a 2-1 victory over relegation-threatened Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday afternoon and the Anfield faithful have reacted to the Italian’s display.
Chiesa, 28, started on the right flank in the absence of Mohamed Salah for their weekend fixture against Wolves at Anfield, which ended 2-1. Unlikely goalscorer Ryan Gravenberch opened proceedings in the 41st minute and Florian Wirtz then bagged his first league goal under Slot a minute later.
Rob Edwards’ Wolves did manage to grab a consolation through Santiago Bueno six minutes into the second half on Merseyside – but the reigning champions managed to walk away with all three points. But how did Chiesa, making his first start in the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, perform in his 61-minute performance?
Slot’s Point Proven Right After Chiesa’s Average Display vs Wolves
Those of an Anfield persuasion have always been outwardly thankful for the winger’s efforts – albeit usually from the bench – and they believe that he should be afforded more of a chance to prove his worth. Slot, though, has preferred to start Salah (as expected) or even Dominik Szoboszlai (a midfielder by trade) on the right flank.
But with Salah at AFCON with Egypt, this period may be the perfect opportunity for Chiesa to prove why he is worthy of more chances.
Against Wolves, the 51-cap Italy international played 61 minutes until he was subbed off in favour of Conor Bradley and Jeremie Frimpong, who started at right-back, was then shifted further afield. In the time he was on the pitch, Chiesa managed to take just 23 touches – five of which were inside Wolves’ penalty box.
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Chiesa – Club Career Statistics |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
|
Club |
Games |
Goals |
Assists |
|
Fiorentina |
153 |
34 |
26 |
|
Juventus |
131 |
32 |
24 |
|
Liverpool |
31 |
4 |
5 |
Zero of his two attempted crosses were accurate and his one attempted dribble was unsuccessful too. He also won zero of his three ground duels with just 63% (10/16) of his passes reaching a teammate – and that just proves that is better suited to coming off the bench to make a difference, rather than being an out-and-out starter on the right.
Highly effective as a “super-sub” for the Reds, the combination of Chiesa’s exemplary work-rate and sheer pace means that coming off the bench to run at tired legs is what makes him so adored by the Anfield faithful.
Given that he only cost £12.5 million, which is nothing compared to the club’s summer splurge, there is no need to shoe-horn the Italian into a starting line-up when unnecessary. His performance against Wolves, however, proved that Chiesa starting is not always the way forward.
Chiesa’s future on the red half of Merseyside remains uncertain due to restricted game time and there are rumours that he could return to a club in his homeland during the mid-season transfer window as he bids to go to the 2026 World Cup with Italy. He last represented his country at the European Championships in 2024.
Liverpool Supporters React to Chiesa’s First Premier League Start of the Season
Many have been calling for the ex-Fiorentina talisman to start more often, given that he is willing to run himself into the ground for a win – as evidenced by his lung-busting defensive run in the final moments of their draw with Sunderland. His display against Wolves, though, proved he is more impactful off the bench. “Proved that Chiesa is not a 90 min player but is an impact sub,” one fan said.
“Would like to see Frimpong and Bradley start at RW/RB v Leeds. Think we saw yesterday why Chiesa is better off being used as an impact sub,” another said as a third fan added: “Chiesa is just not good enough to start for us and that’s a fact, he’s a good last 10 minute sub.”
“Chiesa has a big heart and is full of passion. That is great when you come on as sub needing an impact for ten mins but we can all clearly see he is no world beater. Passion alone doesn’t get you a starting place.”
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“Everyone crying for Chiesa to start more games need to realise he’s unfortunately not elite enough level for LFC in Premier League,” a final fan said before suggesting he’s better utilised as a super sub. “Super sub and domestic cup player. Frimpong was decent down right, but we didn’t get ball to him quick enough as Slot-ball is slow and central.”
All statistics per FotMob and Transfermarkt – correct as of 28/12/2025
