Federico Chiesa’s Future at Liverpool Becomes Clear After Standout PSV Performance
Following an intense 90 minutes against PSV midweek—where Liverpool secured the top spot in the Champions League league phase—Federico Chiesa’s role in England is coming into sharper focus. The Italian winger, completing his first full game since June, didn’t just stake a claim for more minutes; he made an emphatic statement.
Although the Reds suffered a 3-2 defeat in Eindhoven, the match was far from a disaster. With only two regular starters in the squad, Arne Slot used the opportunity to blood young talents in European competition. While Barcelona’s draw with Atalanta helped Liverpool cement first place, the real highlight of the night was Chiesa’s performance.
The Italian winger showed flashes of the world-class form that once defined his time at Juventus and for the national team. Having struggled to rediscover his rhythm since his £13m summer move to Anfield, doubts had begun to emerge over his long-term future under Slot. At one point, speculation of a January departure grew louder. However, Chiesa’s recent display has silenced those rumors, with Liverpool fans now rallying behind him as a potential key figure in their chase for an unprecedented quadruple.
Chiesa Shines Against PSV, Proving His Value to Liverpool
One of the few criticisms of Liverpool this season—despite losing only three matches across all competitions—is that they’ve occasionally lacked relentless energy in certain areas. Dominik Szoboszlai has been a standout in that regard, but now Chiesa has entered the conversation. His performance against PSV left little doubt: the 27-year-old has an engine that never stops.
Both in attack and defense, Chiesa was a constant menace, pressing relentlessly and disrupting the opposition. His efforts were highlighted when he won the penalty that Cody Gakpo converted to give Liverpool the lead. His stats backed up his impact—winning 11 out of 18 duels, registering two shots on target, completing four tackles, and successfully executing three take-ons. He was everywhere when it mattered most.
Such was his influence that Liverpool fans have completely shifted their perception of him. One supporter on X called it a “five-star performance,” while another described him as a “special, SPECIAL player.” Others compared him to former Liverpool star Sadio Mané, noting his directness and ability to thrive in a central attacking role.
Chiesa Could Be Key for Liverpool’s Champions League Ambitions
Liverpool’s potential Round of 16 opponents include Brest, Monaco, Benfica, or PSG—a crucial stage in their quest for silverware across multiple competitions. If Chiesa maintains this momentum, he could become Arne Slot’s trump card as the Reds push toward the business end of the season.