Arne Slot could have an extra attacking option available to him for the remaining months of the season, claim two former Liverpool players.

With such a makeshift side named in the Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday, there were always going to be players who stood out. Federico Chiesa was certainly among them as he produced an impressive display despite Liverpool losing 3-2.

The Italian was involved in both Liverpool goals on a night when Arne Slot’s side still secured top spot in the table regardless of defeat. Chiesa was caught by Joey Veerman’s boot as the PSV midfielder dawdled in possession midway through the first half, allowing the Liverpool forward to nip and get his body in the way before Veerman could clear the ball.

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The ex-Juventus and Fiorentina star then set up the second as his shot was saved by Walter Benitez, who parried to the waiting Harvey Elliott to tap in. Chiesa also completed more dribbles and had more touches in the opposition box than anyone else on the night.

Perhaps most encouragingly, in just his second-ever start for the Reds, Chiesa played the full 90 minutes and appears to be fully over the injury issues that plagued his first months on Merseyside after his summer signing.

For that reason, Joe Cole believes Slot will have an additional asset on his hands in the second half of the campaign. “He was one of the brightest young players in Europe before his injuries,” the ex-midfielder opined during TNT Sports post-match coverage.

“Liverpool have got him, managed him well and he looked really sharp and at it. He’ll have something in the title race and the latter stages of the Champions League. That’s another option for Arne Slot and these young players coming in all did well.”

That opinion was echoed by another former Liverpool midfielder. “You can see with Federico Chiesa, despite all his injury worries, he’s still got the skill,” said Steve McManaman, who was on commentary duty for TNT in Eindhoven. “A couple of double step-overs, check back onto his right- foot, just the final ball was lacking.

“He’s looked nice and sharp though. He just needs to play more games. He started today, gets on the ball, his fitness levels looks good. But you still can’t take any chances. A good run out for Federico Chiesa tonight.”