Many Liverpool fans jumped on social media to rave about one particular player after watching his display in the first half against Crystal Palace.
Liverpool hosted Oliver Glasner’s side at Anfield in the Carabao Cup fourth round on Wednesday. Palace had already beaten the Reds twice earlier this season — in the Community Shield and the Premier League.
As anticipated, Arne Slot rotated heavily, making ten changes to his lineup. Andrew Robertson wore the captain’s armband, while Freddie Woodman and Kieran Morrison were given their Liverpool debuts. Milos Kerkez was the only survivor from the weekend’s loss to Brentford. Speaking before kick-off, Slot explained that the competition was the perfect opportunity to “create a pathway” for emerging talents, and also noted that the Premier League champions were dealing with “four or five injuries.” Alexis Mac Allister returned to midfield alongside Trey Nyoni and Wataru Endo.
Despite the number of youngsters on the pitch — including exciting talent Rio Ngumoha — it was another winger who caught the eye of the Anfield crowd, even with Liverpool trailing 2-0 at the break after two goals from Ismaila Sarr.
Supporters online were full of praise for Federico Chiesa’s intense and driven performance, with many urging Slot to give him more starts. One fan posted: “And the manager still won’t start him after a showing like this.”
Another wrote: “I’d go to war with him — he’s got everything.”
A third added: “Chiesa looks like he wants to win this on his own. Phenomenal player.”
A fourth said: “Nothing could ever stop me loving Chiesa.”
Chiesa, 28, arrived at Anfield from Juventus in the summer of 2024. He made only 13 Premier League appearances during the title-winning 2024/25 season, but his tireless work rate and determination to prove himself are quickly making him a fan favourite.
Earlier this week, the Italian admitted he didn’t feature more last season because he “wasn’t fit enough” and “wasn’t mentally ready,” but he stressed that his focus now is on performing well and showing Slot he deserves a prominent role in the team.
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