Liverpool look like they could have a new Thiago Alcantara on their hands with 'incredible' player - opinion
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Liverpool underwent a huge transition in the summer, led by Arne Slot replacing Jurgen Klopp in the dugout.
But there was also plenty of movement in the transfer window, with Liverpool losing experienced duo Joel Matip and Thiago Alcantara.
The former served the Anfield club superbly for several years, but sadly the latter was prevented from doing that given his horrific injury record.
Thiago retired from football after his Liverpool exit, highlighting just how much he had been struggling given he is only 33.
The hugely talented midfielder joined the Reds on a four-year deal from Bayern Munich in 2020, but failed to reach triple figures for appearances on Merseyside.
Federico Chiesa likely to play for Liverpool vs Southampton
Many Liverpool fans are still thinking about what could have been for the former Barcelona star at Anfield, but there is unfortunately now a danger of the situation being repeated.
And that comes in the form of Federico Chiesa, who has made just three appearances under Slot since his summer arrival from Juventus.
READ MORE:Steven Gerrard shares wordless reaction after Liverpool sign Federico Chiesa
The Italian winger has featured for just 78 minutes across those three appearances, with Chiesa forced into Liverpool under-21 action this season in a bid to get back to full fitness.
Fortunately, Chiesa is very likely to play against Southampton in the Carabao Cup quarter-final at St Mary's on Wednesday.
Federico Chiesa in danger of following Thiago at Liverpool
There is no denying the ability of the attacker, who really impressed for the likes of Juventus and Fiorentina in Italy before his switch to England.
Chiesa has also been a bright spark for his national team in recent years, having represented Italy over 50 times.
Now 27, it is a key stage in the career of the once-exciting attacker, who like Thiago is in danger of failing to reach his full potential at Liverpool.
Frustratingly, again like the Spaniard, the Anfield faithful would undoubtedly fall in love with Chiesa if he was able to find his feet in England.
Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
Fiorentina | 153 | 34 | 26 |
Juventus | 131 | 32 | 23 |
Liverpool | 3 | 0 | 1 |
Italy | 51 | 7 | 8 |
Chiesa was labelled 'incredible' by Paulo Sousa, who managed the attacker at Fiorentina, but fans of his current club have yet to see such ability.
Easing him back into first-team action will be crucial, but there may come a point where Slot simply has to give up on the winger should his constant injury issues continue.