Mohamed Salah’s absence from the Liverpool squad could provide an unexpected boost for the Reds as they face a busy schedule without their star man, and Federico Chiesa stands to benefit
Every cloud has a silver lining, and Mohamed Salah’s potential absence from the Liverpool line-up for possibly the next month is no different. Moreover, Liverpool could benefit in the long run if one of Arne Slot’s less-utilised stars seizes his chance.
Not so long ago, the prospect of going a month without Salah was enough to cause unease at Anfield. However, given the 33-year-old’s recent fiery outburst at the club after being benched for several matches, a break might be best for all parties.
And perhaps none more so than Federico Chiesa, who has had a tumultuous 18 months since his move to Merseyside. The Italian has shown flashes of brilliance and was named Liverpool’s Player of the Month for September following some impactful appearances but is still striving for recognition under Slot.
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This could certainly change in the upcoming weeks, especially if Salah’s Egypt make a deep run at the AFCON. A demanding schedule of Liverpool fixtures means rotation is inevitable, and a bit of faith from the manager could significantly boost Chiesa’s standing.
Salah has quickly reasserted his hero status in Morocco. Egypt were pegged aback early in their group opener against Zimbabwe, only to complete a 2-1 comeback where none other than Salah netted the injury-time winner.
That outcome keeps one of the pre-tournament favourites in contention to top their group as they set their sights on continental glory. Chiesa might privately hope his team-mate remains abroad for as long as possible to maximise his chance.
The ex-Juventus forward is still waiting for his first league start of the season, a situation that could change in Saturday’s home match against Wolves. One wouldn’t blame Slot for not making too many changes, however, just as Liverpool seem to have found their groove again, winning three consecutive matches and most recently defeating nine-man Tottenham 2-1.
One setback from that result was Alexander Isak sustaining a fractured leg, which is expected to sideline him for at least two months. However, once again, Chiesa is ready to provide much-needed support just when the attack needs it.
Interestingly, while Salah’s recent exclusion from Slot’s squad led to a heated reaction, Chiesa remained composed under similar circumstances. When faced with a tough decision between prioritising defensive cover or another attacker for his Champions League squad, the manager chose the former.
But instead of throwing a tantrum, Chiesa got down to work to prove his worth. The Euro 2024 champion even declined an Italy call-up in November because he “didn’t feel 100 per cent,” perhaps partly due to the feeling that he has something to prove at his club.
Slot revealed Chiesa’s “unhappy” reaction to being omitted from this season’s European squad, at least initially. His response suggested a player quietly waiting for the sort of opportunity that may now have come his way.
“Of course that is one of the most difficult things you have to do as a manager,” Slot said in September. “For a player not to play, it is not always easy to tell them but not to be in the squad is always more difficult.
“I just explained to him why we made this choice. Of course he wasn’t happy with that. I think he understood my arguments – that is not to say he agreed with them. He didn’t tell me, by the way, that he didn’t agree with them! But he gave me the answer you want to hear from a player, that he will be there to help the team in the cups and in the league.”
In many respects, one could argue that Chiesa feels more like a Jurgen Klopp acquisition rather than someone destined to flourish under Slot’s stewardship. Some of the winger’s finest displays in red have come from moments of mayhem, while Slot’s emphasis on possession football perhaps doesn’t complement his attributes quite as effectively.
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His decisive goal that put Liverpool ahead in their season opener against Bournemouth was a moment of brilliance under intense pressure. He also demonstrated tenacity with significant contributions to equalising goals against Manchester United and Crystal Palace, as well as assisting both goals in a 2-1 EFL Cup victory over Southampton, yet he remains largely ignored.
It’s worth noting the £12million signing’s exceptional work ethic. No other Liverpool forward puts in more effort when it comes to defensive duties, as evidenced by his goal-line clearance in the recent 1-1 draw against Sunderland.
All this suggests Chiesa has already proved himself deserving of more attention during this particularly challenging part of the season. And the current gaps in Liverpool’s attack could provide the justification he needs to secure a more prominent role in Slot’s strategy.
