Arne Slot heaped praise on Federico Chiesa after the forward impressed on his full Liverpool debut, contributing an assist in Wednesday’s 5-1 Carabao Cup victory over West Ham United.
The Italy international, who joined Liverpool from Juventus for £10 million last month, had already made appearances in the club’s recent wins over AC Milan and Bournemouth.
However, this marked his first start at Anfield as Slot made nine changes from the side that beat Bournemouth.
When asked about Chiesa’s performance, the 26-year-old was instrumental in helping Liverpool come from behind.
He assisted Diogo Jota’s first goal in the 25th minute, setting the stage for a dominant display.
Further goals from Mohamed Salah and a brace by Cody Gakpo completed the comprehensive victory.
Slot said: “It was pleasing to see that he (Federico Chiesa) could already play 60 minutes because I think I said in the last press conference he hasn’t played a lot, maybe hasn’t played hardly any minutes in the last three or four months.
“So, for him it is important that apart from getting more match fitness, he has to have playing minutes – and that’s what he got today.
“He assisted, although it was a shot on target that provided Diogo for a goal, worked really hard and I think it is normal he is not already in the top of his ability.
“He has to get used to the club, he has to get used to his teammates, he has to adjust to the playing style.
“It was very good to see how match fit he already is so we can use him if we need him.”
On the win over West Ham, Slot added: “You already start to laugh because you’re thinking for two months I only ask about new players!
“I constantly told you guys how many quality players we already had. I think you all knew and that’s also what we showed in the last weeks and today again that we have many quality players.
“What pleased me most was that even if a lot of new players come in they don’t come in and try to have a good individual performance.
“They try to work really hard for the team.
“There was a lot of desire not to concede and as a result of that we had some good individual performances as well.”
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