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Federico Chiesa marked another step in his recovery by featuring in Liverpool’s U21 clash against FC Nordsjaelland. The Italian winger’s journey at Anfield has been hampered by fitness struggles since his summer transfer from Juventus, but this latest outing highlighted his potential impact once fully fit.
Chiesa’s Liverpool Career So Far
Chiesa arrived at Liverpool in August 2024 for a reported £12.5 million, bringing high expectations after a successful stint in Serie A. However, injuries have restricted his contributions, with just three senior appearances totalling 78 minutes.
September 17, 2024: Made his debut in a Champions League clash against AC Milan, playing one minute as a late substitute.
September 21, 2024: Featured for 18 minutes in a Premier League match against Bournemouth.
September 25, 2024: Started an EFL Cup tie versus West Ham, providing an assist during a 59-minute display.
Recently back in team training, Chiesa was unavailable for Liverpool’s dramatic 3-3 draw at Newcastle, with Arne Slot opting for a cautious approach. Instead, he was handed a planned 60 minutes for the U21s to continue building fitness.
Photo: IMAGO
Chiesa Impresses in U21 International Cup Thriller
Liverpool U21s fell 4-3 to FC Nordsjaelland in a gripping Premier League International Cup tie at Kirkby. Despite the result, Chiesa provided a standout moment, equalising in the 11th minute with a clinical finish into the bottom corner.
The visitors had taken an early lead through Liverpool’s defensive lapses, but Chiesa’s sharp movement and composed strike underscored his pedigree. While still rediscovering match sharpness, the Italian showed flashes of brilliance, offering optimism for his senior return.
The game’s drama intensified in the second half, with Nordsjaelland storming to a 3-1 advantage. Liverpool rallied late as Dominic Corness pounced on a defensive error and Trent Kone-Doherty finished coolly to draw the Reds level. However, a late strike from substitute Villum Berthelsen punished Liverpool’s inability to clear their lines, sealing the win for the visitors.
Next Steps for Chiesa and Liverpool U21s
Chiesa’s performance was a valuable step in his recovery process, and Liverpool will hope he can build on it in the weeks ahead. The U21s will now shift their focus to Premier League 2 action, travelling to Crystal Palace on December 16. Their next Premier League International Cup fixture is a January showdown with Sparta Prague.
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