Roberto Di Matteo taps Federico Chiesa to replace Mo Salah

Former Italian international and ex-Chelsea coach, Roberto Di Matteo says a Euro 2020 winner, Federico Chiesa is a potential solution to Liverpool’s future without Mohamed Salah.

Former Italian international Roberto Di Matteo believes that Chiesa, despite his struggles with injuries, has the potential to become an asset for the club if he remains fit.

Liverpool secured Chiesa from Juventus during the summer of 2024 for just £10 million ($13 million), a transfer many viewed as a bargain. However, the forward’s fitness history raised concerns. His recurring injuries have limited him to only eight appearances this season, none of which have been Premier League starts. Speculation about a possible return to Italy gained momentum as the January transfer window approached.

Despite the setbacks, Liverpool decided to keep faith in the 27-year-old winger. Speaking about the move, Di Matteo shared his optimism: “I definitely think he can be a success. He is one of the best Italian players. His only downfall has been injuries. He has always had a few injuries in his career. If he can get fully fit and stay continuously fit and play games, he is a great player.”

Chiesa faces fierce competition for a starting spot, with players like Mohamed Salah and Luis Díaz ahead of him in the pecking order. Di Matteo acknowledged the challenge but emphasized Chiesa’s potential to make an impact: “I can see why Liverpool would sign him. It’s a great move, going to Liverpool – a fantastic iconic club, challenges for the Premier League, for the Champions League. But Arne Slot said that he has good competition from the guys ahead of him – Mo Salah, Luis Diaz, etc. – so it’s not easy to get into the Liverpool team. I think he will be an asset for them in the second half of the season. He’s looking better now, he’s played a few games, and he’s a great player if he can stay fit.”

Liverpool may soon face life without Salah, as the Egyptian forward nears free agency. While replacing a player of Salah’s calibre is no easy task, Chiesa could offer a significant contribution to the team in the long term. Addressing this possibility, Di Matteo said: “Who can fill Mo Salah’s void? That’s a big ask, isn’t it. He’s had such an incredible career, Mo Salah, and his numbers are staggering. I’m not sure he can fill his shoes, but he can make a big contribution to the team. He can certainly be a good player for them.”

Chiesa’s versatility and skill set could make him a valuable asset in Liverpool’s busy schedule, which includes campaigns in the Premier League, Champions League, and domestic cups. Di Matteo added, “Come the second half of the season when it’s very important to have all of your players fit, hopefully, he’ll be in the mix when they have to rotate because they are involved in the Premier League, Champions League, Carabao Cup, so it’s a lot of games to play. I’m not sure how much English fans know about him, but I really like him.”

Chiesa registered his first goal for Liverpool during their FA Cup third-round victory over Accrington Stanley on January 11, 2025. Since then, he has made three substitute appearances, hinting at gradual progress.

As Liverpool continues to chase trophies on multiple fronts, fans and management alike will hope that Chiesa can stay fit and deliver on his immense potential.

(GOAL.COM)

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