Federico Chiesa's fresh start: could this finally be his year with Liverpool and Italy?
Federico Chiesa will turn 29 in October, and he will do so wearing Liverpool red. At least, that is the hope. If everything goes to plan, he could also find himself back in Italy blue before long, regardless of who is in charge of the Azzurri. For a player whose career has swung between brilliance and frustration, Chiesa finally appears to have rediscovered his smile.
Liverpool's pre-season content on social media tells its own story. The Italian winger looks relaxed, confident and happy. He is scoring from free-kicks, taking on defenders, working hard and, above all, enjoying his football again.
A career interrupted by injuries
Few Italian players of his generation have possessed Chiesa's explosive talent. He looked destined to become one of Europe's elite before a succession of serious injuries brought his momentum to a halt. One knee injury, then another, and what had seemed like an unstoppable rise suddenly became a battle simply to get back on the pitch. Yet the quality has never disappeared. Liverpool's pre-season friendly against Sunderland offered another encouraging sign. Chiesa came on at half-time, scored in the Reds' 4-2 victory and earned praise from new head coach Andoni Iraola.
A chance to start again
On paper, Chiesa has all the attributes needed to thrive in the Premier League. His pace, direct running and ability to attack defenders one-on-one make him well suited to English football. Recent transfer windows have often seen his name mentioned merely as an alternative option or a stop-gap solution for clubs looking elsewhere first. That hardly reflects the level of talent he still possesses. His first season at Liverpool was disrupted by injuries and never truly got going, but football rarely follows a straight path.
Perhaps the biggest positive this summer is that Chiesa has stayed out of the transfer headlines altogether. Instead of speculation over his future, the focus has returned to his performances on the pitch. If he can stay fit, this could finally be the season in which Chiesa reminds everyone why he was once regarded as one of Europe's brightest attacking talents. First in Liverpool red. Then, perhaps, once again in Italy blue.
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