Arne Slot is facing some difficult decisions as he prepares to take his Liverpool side to London to face Tottenham on Saturday evening.
The Reds have endured a tricky start to the campaign with Slot coming under pressure as a result of poor performances that have left the club in seventh spot in the Premier League table.
On the back of consecutive wins over Inter Milan and Brighton, Liverpool are hoping to continue their recent resurgence with a victory over Thomas Frank's side. Unfortunately for Slot, he faces a number of difficult selection decisions ahead of the clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Slot Facing Selection Dilemma
liverpool manager arne slot
Liverpool's fixture against Tottenham is the first that they'll face without Mohamed Salah. After his explosive interview after the draw with Leeds United, it seemed likely that he may never play for the club again. However, featuring as a substitute against Brighton last week, the Egyptian star has since jetted off to AFCON, leaving Liverpool to carry one without him.
The Reds could also be without Dominik Szoboszlai who is doubtful thanks to an ankle injury picked up against the Seagulls. It means that Slot could have to think outside of the box about his team selection.
Federico Chiesa Deserves Chance To Shine
federico chiesa
Slot's difficult decision should lead him to give Federico Chiesa another opportunity to start for the Reds. Chiesa has started just twice for Liverpool this season — both games coming in the EFL Cup - with the latest being the 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace in late October.
Amid claims that the Dutch boss 'doesn't like' the Italian winger, question marks have arisen over whether the 28-year-old will ever get a genuine opportunity.
Described as a 'special, special player' by teammate Alisson Becker, Chiesa has managed two goals and three assists in 16 appearances this term — an impressive tally considering he's played just 391 minutes.
Chiesa deserves the chance to show his qualities from the start and with Salah away and Szoboszlai doubtful, the winger has earned the chance to show what he's capable of.
Tottenham are a side who leak chances and this could be perfect for the Italian to make an impact in the starting XI and help his side to a priceless win. It feels like it's now or never for Chiesa if he's to prove that he has what it takes to have a genuine long-term future at the club.
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