Federico Chiesa finally made his long-awaited debut for Liverpool during their EFL Cup quarter-final clash against Southampton at St. Mary's Stadium on Wednesday night. Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus at the end of last summer's transfer window, has been sidelined for months due to injury, making this match particularly significant for both him and the team.
Liverpool emerged victorious with a 2-1 win, ensuring their progression to the semi-finals of the EFL Cup, defending their crown from the previous season. This win was imperative for the Reds, especially considering they came up against a Southampton side fresh off the back of dismissing their manager after a dismal 5-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur.
The match was marked by strong performances from Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott, who each scored within the first half hour, putting Liverpool firmly in the driver's seat. Nunez found the back of the net first, sending the Reds on their way, followed by Elliott, who showcased his talent with another goal.
Chiesa entered the match just after halftime as the manager, Arne Slot, sought to solidify their lead. His return was highly anticipated by fans who had been waiting for moments to see the Italian international perform for his new club. Speaking on Chiesa's performance post-match, Slot remarked, “I think what I saw is what you can expect... I saw ups and downs.”
While Slot recognized Chiesa's potential, he acknowledged the challenges faced by players who have spent extended periods on the sidelines. “If a player is out for five or six months, you cannot expect him to be at his best straight away,” he added, stressing the importance of patience as Chiesa finds his form. The winger managed to churn out three shots, tying with Nunez for the most attempts on goal during the match, which showed glimpses of his old self.
Yet, the Italian’s performance also showed some inconsistency—there were moments where he struggled to make the impact expected from someone of his caliber, with Slot indicating some areas where Chiesa could improve. “It was good to see... I already said before [that it’s difficult],” Slot stated, referring to Chiesa's lack of preseason training with Liverpool due to his transfer timing.
Upon his return, Chiesa did have opportunities to score, having two shots cleared off the line, and he nearly connected beautifully with Diogo Jota’s set-up. Reflecting on his uplifting moments and quieter stretches, fans and commentators alike remained hopeful about Chiesa's ability to grow back to top form as he shakes off the rust from his injury layoff.
Meanwhile, with Mohamed Salah rested for this fixture, Chiesa’s introduction allowed Harvey Elliott to step up his performance, as the young talent showed comfort and skill operating from the midfield rather than on the wing, demonstrating why he is already seen as more effective there.
The team morale surged after the win, with Slot grateful for the resilience exhibited by his players. With the win marking Liverpool’s continued pursuit of multiple trophies—the Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup, and Carabao Cup—Slot faces the challenge of managing squad depth and player fitness moving forward.
Chiesa's early showing hints at the player he can become as he settles back after such long-term recovery. Liverpool supporters are eager to see if he can replicate his previous form and contribute to the squad's ambitions this season.
With the semi-finals on the horizon, the club looks poised and determined, bolstered by returning players. Slot concluded his assessment of the match positively, noting, “It’s good to see he’s back and showing some quality already today,” hinting at greater expectations for Chiesa as the season progresses.
Chiesa’s absence was felt deeply by Liverpool through his long injury layoff, as fans held their breath waiting for his return. Now, with his performance against Southampton added to the books, both he and Liverpool appear ready to tackle the next challenges head-on.
