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 start.
Former Liverpool midfielder Danny Murphy has urged Arne Slott to give Federico Chiesa a regular place in the starting XI. The Italy star was outstanding in last month’s Carabao Cup win over Southampton, setting up goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike in the 2-1 win at Anfield.
Chiesa came off the bench and scored as Liverpool lost 2-1 to Crystal Palace before the international break.
The former Juventus ace missed last week’s tour of Turkey due to a minor injury, with Liverpool losing 1-0 to Galatasaray. But after being named in the squad for Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea, Murphy believes it is time to give Chiesa a longer starting role.
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“Based on the games I’ve watched and not what Liverpool fans are saying online, I’d like to see Chiesa given a chance on the left,” Murphy told AceOdds. “In that sense, I actually agree with the views of Liverpool supporters online.
“Every time he came on, he 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 he can rely on Gakpo without the ball, but I don’t think Gakpo was overpowering,” reports the Liverpool Echo.
“He seems to be lacking a little bit of confidence and is giving away the ball.
“I know he scored against Chelsea, but his performance was far from the level needed and he showed that last season.”
Murphy, a key player in the Reds’ treble-winning side in 2000-01, added: “The only thing I can say in defense of the manager is that certain things come to the fore more during training than bits and pieces on match days. You have to trust the manager because he’s watching them train.”
He added: “But I think Chiesa needs to be active in the team.
“If you give him a few games and he doesn’t have the same impact, maybe he’s just better off the bench.
“In many clubs, some players simply perform better as substitutes. Players who come off the bench feel they have nothing to lose and are free to play.”
“I’ve experienced it myself. You’re angry, you’re frustrated, but you play with some freedom. When you start, there’s pressure because you feel like you have to play well.”
“Chiesa hasn’t been given that chance yet and I would be stunned if he is not available in the next few weeks.
“The level he showed in his all-round game, from his goals to his physicality to his determination, deserves recognition.
“And you could argue that there’s definitely a void left in Luis Diaz. I understand why they sold him. It’s business.
“But Dias has given Liverpool a real tenacity to press like Sadio Mane. He is similar in terms of his work ethic off the ball and Chiesa has that.”
Liverpool are scheduled to return to action on Sunday, October 19th, when they host arch-rivals Manchester United at Anfield.
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