Michael Owen has shared his thoughts on Liverpool’s acquisition of Federico Chiesa.
The Italy international became the Reds’ only signing for the current campaign when he completed a move from Juventus for a reported fee of £10 million, plus an additional £2.5 million in add-ons, late in the summer transfer window.
This fee could prove to be a bargain if Chiesa can replicate the impressive form he displayed for both club and country prior to suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury in January 2022, which sidelined him for 10 months.
A standout performer in the delayed Euro 2020 tournament, the 26-year-old made 70 appearances for Juventus in his final two seasons
He scored 14 goals, before departing from the Turin giants following the arrival of new manager Thiago Motta.
Owen believes that Juventus’ loss could very well be Liverpool’s gain.
Chiesa made his debut off the bench during a 3-1 Champions League victory against AC Milan.
He followed that with a more substantial cameo in Saturday’s 3-0 Premier League win over Bournemouth before starting his first match for the club on Wednesday.
In that game, he played just under an hour as Arne Slot’s in-form side cruised to a 5-1 triumph over West Ham United in the Carabao Cup at Anfield.
Chiesa may return to the bench for tomorrow’s trip to Wolves.
However, Owen, who won the Ballon d’Or during his time at Liverpool, believes his former club could have made a shrewd signing.
“I like him as a player, I think he’s got a lot of class,” Michael Owen said exclusively to DAZN, thanks to AceOdds.
“He’s obviously experienced as well and I think he’s a good player to bring in to bolster the squad.
“I don’t think he or anyone else is under any illusions that he’s going to play every single game.
“He’s probably not anticipated starting lots of games but his performances will dictate that.
“If he does really well then of course he’s going to hold a place down but as things start at the early stage of the season, I would suggest that he will be more of an impact player and he’s going to have to play his way into the team.
“However, as I say he’s got class, he’s got experience, he’s obviously a talented lad, and speaks the language so hopefully he settles in pretty well and then we’ll see after that.
“I think it’s a really good buy. I think if you were a lesser team you might have to pay a bit more but because he would probably want a move like this once it was announced that maybe he was leaving I think he would want a move like this, so it works for everybody.
“Liverpool has almost utilised the club, the badge, the history, and everything else to get somebody who might be worth a little bit more than they’ve paid.
“I think it’s been a good signing, but again time will tell.”
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