Lucas Leiva can speak from personal experience when he describes Federico Chiesa as ‘a fantastic signing’ for Liverpool.
The Italy forward completed his move to the Reds from Juventus just before last month’s transfer deadline and is now preparing for his first appearance under Arne Slot’s management.
Former Liverpool midfielder Lucas faced Chiesa several times while representing Lazio in Serie A.
Chiesa, who was a Euro 2020 winner with Italy three years ago, impressed Lucas with his performances on the pitch.
“I was very happy when I saw the signing,” says Lucas Leiva on the latest episode of LFCTV’s Extra Time.
“I played against him when he was at Fiorentina, and afterwards Juventus.
“A fantastic player. Of course, he is coming back from a big injury – I’m sure Liverpool are looking after him and seeing the best time to play him.
“He can play on the left wing, on the right wing.
“He has pace to be an important player, and he comes into a team that is very well structured.
“I think he is a player that adds a lot for the squad and I’m really looking forward to it.”
Former Liverpool goalkeeper David James also expressed his excitement following the signing of Chiesa and his potential impact at Anfield.
“I love him,” James enthuses.
“There’s a style that he plays with. He almost sticks his head down, it’s 100 per cent energy in whatever he is doing. He has got the skills, we all know that.
“Watching on social media this week [a clip] where he has taken a ball down superbly and bent it into the top right-hand corner [in training].
“What he gives – and I’ve seen him do this for the Italian side – is that when he is committed, he is 100 per cent committed.
“Where he has a lot of what Liverpool already have, this is a style of play that a lot of Premier League defenders will not be used to.
“It’s not fancy footwork all the time, it might be energy and commitment – he gives it in spade-loads.
“It’s another dimension that opponents are going to struggle with.
“When needed, he is going to be called upon and I think he will deliver.
“I think it’s a fantastic signing.”
Lucas adds: “Let’s not forget, before the injury Chiesa was one of the most important players for Italy in the Euros [in 2021].
“A fantastic signing, he can play on both sides, and a lot of pace – so, it will be interesting.”
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