Slot insists Liverpool have ‘many options’ in Chiesa’s position

Liverpool coach Arne Slot says ‘every player has the possibility to start’ but insists he has ‘many options’ in Federico Chiesa’s position.

Italy international Chiesa has received praise from fans and media in England for a last-minute goal-line clearance that allowed the Reds to earn a point at home against Sunderland.

Slot also acknowledged the Italian winger’s effort in sprinting back to avoid conceding a late goal, but this doesn’t necessarily mean Chiesa will get a starting spot in the next Premier League match against Leeds United.

During a pre-match press conference on Friday, the Liverpool boss said (via Liverpool Echo): “As I just said, every player has a possibility to start, but we have many options to start in his position.”

However, the Dutch tactician admits he was pleased with Chiesa’s attitude in his latest appearance.

“So many times, he has had an impact a few times, so normally you bring a striker in to score,” Slot said.

“But he, in this situation, kept on running when a player might stop and think they cannot do a lot one-v-one, so that says a lot about his mentality to not concede.”

Chiesa has only started in two EFL Cup games this season, making 10 substitute appearances in the Premier League and three in the Champions League.

Chiesa has only spent 384 minutes on the pitch for Liverpool this season, but still managed two goals and three assists.