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Arne Slot must make 'no-brainer' Federico Chiesa decision and Mohamed Salah scare shows why

Federico Chiesa could make his first start for Liverpool against West Ham
-Credit: (Image: Getty Images)


Arne Slot is surely about to make his first major squad rotation this season, and that could be good news for Federico Chiesa.

The Italian has slowly been working his way into contention for the Reds after making the move to Anfield during the summer. Having been frozen out of new Juventus boss Thiago Motta’s plans, Chiesa has effectively had to start from scratch at Liverpool.

Having made his debut at AC Milan last week before making his first Premier League appearance on Saturday though, Slot has hinted Chiesa could be in line for his first start for the club in today’s Carabao Cup clash with West Ham.

"I don't think Chiesa is ready to play 90 minutes but he is able to start,” Slot said in his press conference on Tuesday. “If he will, let's see. There are many options we have. He is able to start but not play 90 against West Ham."

Despite his boss remaining somewhat coy, it is surely now the ideal time for Chiesa to start for Liverpool. Anfield has already had a glimpse of what he can do after his 18-minute cameo against Bournemouth, and that will have been enough to convince the Reds’ faithful.

The 26-year-old looked lively after making his way off the bench, testing Kepa Arrizabalaga with his first touch before going on to strike the post, albeit from an offside position. Liverpool legend John Aldridge is certainly in no doubt.

“What I have seen so far from him, he looks like a real workaholic and he doesn't stop,” Aldridge wrote in his column for the ECHO. “Defenders don't get a minute with him around and he looks like someone who is genuinely over the moon to be at Liverpool having moved from Juventus last month.

Federico Chiesa in action for Liverpool against Bournemouth
Federico Chiesa in action for Liverpool against Bournemouth -Credit:Getty Images

“We will see in time how much of a shrewd purchase it is but it feels like a no-brainer at £12m for someone with that sort of profile. We've only really seen clips of him in training other than the substitute appearance on Saturday so there is limited scope to form an opinion but if he can stay away from injuries then let's hope the Reds have another really good option in the attack.”

That short glimpse at the weekend would indicate that the low-risk approach in signing Chiesa could reap big rewards. He already looks to have adapted to Slot’s style, and will hopefully prove just how good a signing he is against the Hammers.

Liverpool hasn’t really had a true backup to Mohamed Salah over the last few years, although in truth they haven’t particularly needed one, such is the Egyptian’s fitness. The Reds though were given a scare last season when Salah came back from AFCON with a hamstring problem, and even when he returned from injury, he never seemed able to return to his usual form.

Jurgen Klopp would no doubt have loved to have been able to call upon Chiesa in that instance. Having the Italian now is a luxury for Slot, who surely must give him his first start for the Reds later.