Emile Heskey predicts Arne Slot will maximise Federico Chiesa’s potential

Before the international break, Liverpool dominated Manchester United with a 3-0 victory, with Luis Diaz scoring twice before half-time, and Mohamed Salah sealing the deal shortly after the break.

It was a great way to introduce Arne Slot to Anfield and a match Heskey watched with interest, and was very impressed with the performance of his former club.

“The biggest thing in the games these two teams have played over the last few years is taking chances. if you don't take your chances, you inevitably will give the opposition a chance to go and win that game, just like we saw last season in the FA Cup” he said.

 

Different approach and early success

The dynamics are different than with former manager Jurgen Klopp. That much is evident. Klopp preferred the all-in attack with a sledgehammer. Heskey describes that as “smothering teams, suffocating the opponents and pressing them into feeding Liverpool the chance to score”, which worked really well in the early years.

Now, Liverpool is a little more structured. This, according to Heskey, should lead to more consistent performances, especially in defence.

It’s hard to play aggressively for 90 minutes, and that’s exactly how Klopp wanted Liverpool to play all the time.

It’s evident from the last few years of Liverpool’s performance that this approach was effective, but unsustainable. Heskey says the new, structured approach with plenty of build-up should create overloads high in the pitch, creating opportunities for Salah and Chiesa.

Gambling websites have picked up Liverpool’s momentum as well, flattering them with favourable odds for the most part.

With their win over Manchester United, Liverpool not only created momentum, but also some vacuum space, relieving the initial pressure from Slot. 

Time will tell how sportsbooks react to the new club manager’s future decisions, but things for now look positive.

 

What does the Chiesa bring to the table?

Chiesa has been unfortunate with injuries and change of coaches. The Guardian predicts Liverpool will give him “a chance to live up to the hype”, and we have to agree.

Despite the injuries, Heskey says Chiesa was a great choice, especially considering the price he thinks is cheap, given Chiesa’s talent.

“I think Slot can get the best out of him in the system that they play” Heskey added.

Italy head coach Luciano Spalletti had previously called Chiesa “our Jannik Sinner”, but Chiesa didn’t live up to the expectations at Euro 2024 with several lukewarm performances and no goals or assists.

After the Euros, he returned to the first team training with Juventus but was soon forced to train on his own as Juve's new manager Thiago Motta wasn’t happy with his performances.

 

A polished gem that needs some more polishing

Perhaps there’s a chance for redemption at Liverpool. Perhaps the conditions were just not right for Chiesa at Juventus, and Arne Slot will create better ones. A clean slate and an opportunity to distance himself from his father’s accomplishments.

The £10m fee for Chiesa's services is a cheap bet on a player whose best career years might still be ahead, despite the injuries.

Prior to Euro 2024, Chiesa said he wanted to show everyone what he could do. That didn’t happen.

So perhaps this is the best, and perhaps the last big chance for him to do so. We’re definitely looking forward to seeing how Slot is going to pair him with Salah, and how the two will complement each other.

A new iconic duo in the making? We’ll see.