Federico Chiesa wows Liverpool teammates with 8-goal haul after chat with Rio Ngumoha
Federico Chiesa is gearing up for a potential Liverpool debut against Nottingham Forest on Sept. 14. The Italian forward is currently honing his skills with the Reds' Under-21s during the international break.
Barry Lewtas, the coach, told club media on Friday: "With Federico, it gives him a chance to build his fitness and get him ready for the season as well," adding that it's a great learning opportunity for the young players to play against someone of Chiesa's calibre.
Chiesa, who was deemed surplus to requirements at Juventus and sidelined by new manager Thiago Motta, needs time to regain his form after joining Liverpool, especially since his last game was in June when Italy was knocked out of Euro 2024 in the Round-of-16 against Switzerland.
Trent Alexander-Arnold Liverpool contract stance different to Mohamed Salah and Virgil van Dijk
Trent Alexander-Arnold decision made by Lee Carsley in England XI vs Republic of Ireland
This explains why he turned down an international call-up from Italy this month as a non-playing squad member. The 26 year old is eager to get back into action after being left out of the Reds' 3-0 victory over Manchester United. And if the club's latest 'Inside Training' video is anything to go by, Chiesa seems to be in good form ahead of the home match against Forest, scoring a variety of goals while training with the Under-21s.
And Liverpool's recent transfer activity isn't just about first-team reinforcements; the academy has welcomed a fresh face in Rio Ngumoha. Federico Chiesa, no stranger to the limelight, was seen getting to know the young talent during Thursday's training.
Upon spotting Ngumoha at the AXA Training Centre, Chiesa didn't hesitate to extend a warm welcome. "Ciao," he greeted the 16 year old ex-Chelsea prospect, followed by a handshake and a friendly "Nice to meet you," which Ngumoha reciprocated with equal politeness.
Their first training session together could mark the beginning of many, especially if the England youth international can live up to his potential. But it was Chiesa who stole the show. In a training video that ran for nine minutes and 44 seconds, Chiesa showcased his scoring prowess, netting an impressive eight goals across various drills and mini-games some strikes were nothing short of stunning.
He capitalized on a loose backpass for his opening goal, slotting it past the keeper with the kind of pressing play that's become synonymous with Liverpool's style. Another goal featured Chiesa cutting in from the right, gliding past a defender, and firing home a deflected shot. He also earned praise from James Norris, who lauded a particularly sharp first-time finish with a shout of 'Brilliant Fede!'
READ MORE: Arne Slot receives 'greatest compliment' with Sir Alex Ferguson and Arsene Wenger comparison
READ MORE: Liverpool transfer news as Bryan Mbeumo 'wanted' and $33m Xabi Alonso star 'eyed'
Chiesa's fourth goal saw him weave his way across the goal after cutting in from the right, before deftly poking home with the outside of his right boot. His fifth was a mirror image, only this time he finished back across goal on his weaker left foot.
The sixth goal is the pick of the bunch and has already gone viral on social media. The Italian curled a beauty into the top corner from distance, leaving his young teammates gobsmacked, with one audible 'Oooooooh!' echoing in the background.
But Chiesa wasn't done there. His seventh goal saw him control a high diagonal pass on the left, cut inside to beat his marker, before unleashing a curling strike into the top corner. His eighth goal in the video sees him receive the ball from the keeper in the centre of the pitch, fend off a challenge, nutmeg a defender, then sidefoot into the bottom corner.