Federico Chiesa has made a big impact off the bench for Liverpool in recent weeks and former midfielder Danny Murphy believes the Italian should be given a run in the starting XI
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has urged Arne Slot to give Federico Chiesa a regular spot in his starting line-up. The Italian star was the standout player in last month’s Carabao Cup triumph over Southampton, setting up goals for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in the 2-1 victory at Anfield.
Chiesa then came off the bench to score as Liverpool suffered a 2-1 defeat at Crystal Palace before the international break.
The ex-Juventus ace missed last week’s trip to Turkey due to a minor injury, with Liverpool falling to a 1-0 loss against Galatasaray. However, after making the squad for Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Chelsea, Murphy believes it’s time for Chiesa to be given a longer run in the starting XI.
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“Based on the games I’ve watched and not the online discourse of Liverpool fans, I would like to see Chiesa given a chance on the left side,” Murphy told AceOdds. “I actually agree with Liverpool supporters online in that sense.
“Whenever he’s come on, he’s looked like a goal threat and full of confidence. Well, I think he’s stuck with Cody Gakpo because of his performances last season and he knows that he can rely on Gakpo without the ball but I think Gakpo has been underwhelming.”, reports the Liverpool Echo.
“He looks a bit short of confidence and he’s been giving the ball away.
“I know he scored against Chelsea but his performance was nowhere near to the levels needed and that he’s shown last season.”
Murphy, a key player in the Reds’ treble-winning 2000/01 squad, added: “The only thing I’d say in defence of the manager is in training certain things come to the fore more than snippets will on a match day and he’s watching them train so you have to put faith in the manager.”
He added: “I do think Chiesa needs a run in the team, though.
“If you give him a run of games and he doesn’t have the same impact, it might just be that he’s better off the bench.
“At many clubs, some players simply perform better as substitutes. When coming off the bench players feel as though they’ve got nothing to lose and play free.
“I’ve experienced it myself. You’re angry and annoyed and you play with some freedom.. When starting there’s pressure because you feel as though you’ve got to play well.
“Chiesa hasn’t been given that chance yet and I’d be gobsmacked if he isn’t in the coming weeks.
“The levels he’s shown in his all around game from the goals, to the physicality and determination is something he deserves recognition for.
“And you could argue there’s definitely been a void left by Luis Diaz. I understand why they sold him. It’s business.
“But Diaz gave Liverpool a real tenacity in the press like Sadio Mane did. He’s similar in terms of the work ethic off the ball and Chiesa has that.”
Liverpool are set to return to action on Sunday, October 19, when they host arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield.
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