‘I played for Liverpool and against Federico Chiesa and I know how this transfer will work out’

Italian winger Chiesa was left out of the Reds squad that beat Manchester United 3-0 before the international break, but he could be involved in the squad that takes on Nottingham Forest on Saturday

Federico Chiesa could be in line to make his Liverpool debut this weekend – and the former Reds midfielder Lucas Leiva will be an interested observer.

Italian winger Chiesa was left out of the Reds squad that beat Manchester United 3-0 before the international break, but after two weeks of working at the club’s Kirkby training base he could be involved in the squad that takes on Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

Lucas, who joined Italian giants Lazio after leaving the Reds in 2017, played against Chiesa in Serie A, and he knows exactly what to expect from him at his new club.

“I was very happy when I saw the signing,” Lucas told LFCTV. “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.”

Chiesa is expected to provide cover for Liverpool’s forwards as he is eased into the squad under Arne Slot, but he could be involved against Forest after four of Liverpool’s other five attacking talents went away on international duty, with only Darwin Nunez missing out due to his ban from Uruguay action.

Ex-Reds goalkeeper David James is also a fan of the bargain signing, telling the same programme: “I love him.

“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.”

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