During his first season at Liverpool, Federico Chiesa became a cult hero.
Supporters praised his dedication and optimism, as well as the way he always seemed to be at the center of the festivities, even when he had played a small role.
As Arne Slot’s team celebrated winning the Premier League, the Dean Martin song that was dedicated to him to the tune of “Sway” became one of the season’s anthems.
In actuality, though, his highlights reel was brief and unimpressive. He made six appearances in the Premier League last season, totaling just 104 minutes of action. The 3-2 loss at Brighton & Hove Albion in May, after the title had already been won and important players were given a break, was the only league match he started after joining from Juventus for £12 million ($16 million) last summer.
Chiesa was hindered by injuries. Slot kept ignoring him, even when he was in good shape. At Wembley, he scored Liverpool’s consolation goal off the bench in the Carabao Cup final loss to Newcastle United after scoring in the FA Cup thumping of minnows Accrington Stanley.
He did not, however, have a truly noteworthy contribution to claim as his own. On Friday night, the long wait for that elusive moment came to an end at Anfield.
After giving up a two-goal lead, the champions faced the prospect of beginning their title defense with a humiliating draw as the clock ticked into the 88th minute. However, Chiesa jumped in and fired a volley into the bottom corner from ten yards out after Djordje Petrovic palmed away Mohamed Salah’s cross and Bournemouth was unable to clear.
What it meant to him was evident from the flood of emotion. With his arms extended, the Italy international, who had taken Florian Wirtz’s place six minutes earlier, bounded off, then made a joyous knee slide in the direction of the corner flag. He finally scored a Premier League goal 352 days after joining Liverpool.
It is “very nice for him to give them something in return after the fans sang for him so many times during the game already and last season as well,” Slot said.
The atmosphere in the last few minutes was incredible. I had assumed that winning the league here would always be more memorable than defeating Bournemouth at home, but the final six or seven minutes—wow.
The way Chiesa was hounded by his teammates demonstrated how well-liked he is. He is particularly close to Japan midfielder Wataru Endo and the South American team of Alisson and Alexis Mac Allister. There has never been a more well-liked goal scorer, and the entire team respects how he has overcome hardship since joining Liverpool.
Captain Virgil van Dijk remarked, “Fede is an incredible character.” It’s a prize for all of his efforts since joining the team. Despite his unfortunate injury history, I’m delighted he could play a significant role tonight. We’re all here for him, even though it hasn’t been an easy time. I’m thrilled that he scored, and we all know the kind of impact he can have.
Although he has had some challenging times, he is a wonderful person. We all adore him. The fans adore him as well. We all want to witness his ability to create moments like these.
Following the final whistle, Chiesa headed straight for the touchline’s backroom crew, who had supported him during some difficult moments. Before he returned to the field with his teammates, the first-team physician Amit Pannu and performance psychologist Lee Richardson received the largest embraces.
“I came here and had a lot of trouble because the tempo is just so different,” Chiesa said to Sky Italia. “But after a year, I finally got my first Premier League goal.” The coach always had encouraging things to say and gave me a chance.
This summer, Liverpool’s front line was redesigned. Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz were sold after the untimely death of Diogo Jota. Chiesa was supposed to move on as well, but despite all the rumors that he might return to Italy, Liverpool hasn’t received a single serious offer.
After Nunez against Fulham three years ago, Hugo Ekitike, one of the players vying for a spot alongside Chiesa, became just the second player to score and assist on his Premier League debut for the team. Ekitike is expected to be a huge asset, but Liverpool should be holding onto Chiesa as cover given the continued uncertainty surrounding the team’s pursuit of Alexander Isak of Newcastle United. It wouldn’t make much sense to offload him at this point in the window. He ought to be given the chance to improve upon this.
Slot stated, “I don’t think anything is going to change.” “Getting ready for a game was difficult for him last season. You miss a lot because, regrettably, he was also unable to join us on our Asia tour. I brought Federico in when we needed him. You need your No. 9 at 2-2, and we brought him in, and he performed admirably, which is always good for your future with the team.
Jota’s family was present at Anfield when a huge banner that said, “Rute, Dinis, Duarte, Mafalda — Anfield will always be your home,” was unfurled on the Kop. You will never have to walk alone. Before, during, and after the game, songs were sung in honor of Liverpool’s forever No. 20.
Chiesa has had to deal with the loss of a beloved teammate before, and this summer was no exception. He was a member of the Fiorentina team that mourned the death of 31-year-old Davide Astori back in 2018.
“Diogo, his brother, and their family were my first thoughts after the goal,” Chiesa said to Sky Italia. “It was really emotional to end the game that way because it was such a touching evening. Diogo pushed the ball over the line for me from up there. I want to think it went like that.
Salah was the subject of the night’s most moving scenes. With Liverpool’s fourth goal in stoppage time, the Egyptian continued his incredible record of scoring in first-round games and became the first player in Premier League history to score ten goals in the first gameweek.
However, one particular moment following the game was noteworthy. As the Jota song continued after the game, a tearful Salah stood and applauded by himself in front of the Kop. That seemed to be a natural part of the grieving process.
Rather than ending in style, Chiesa undoubtedly saw this as staking a claim for a larger part.
“To be completely honest, I am happy here, but we will talk to Liverpool,” he continued. “One of the top teams in the world is the one I play for. All I need to do is wait, be as prepared as I was tonight, and demonstrate my ability to play for this team. I’ve received excellent treatment from the coach.