Federico Chiesa is sharpening his skills in anticipation of a potential Liverpool debut against Nottingham Forest on September 14. The Italian forward is currently honing his fitness with the Reds' U21 squad during the international break.
Barry Lewtas, the U21s coach, shared insights with club media : "With Federico, it gives him a chance to build his fitness and get him ready for the season as well." He added: "It obviously just gives our boys a little bit of a chance to play against someone of that quality [and] it's a really good learning opportunity for them."
Despite being a valuable experience for the young players to face such a high-caliber player, Chiesa also presented them with a formidable challenge during training sessions.
After being sidelined at Juventus by new boss Thiago Motta and not playing since Italy's Euro 2024 round-of-16 exit to Switzerland in late June, Chiesa needed time to regain match fitness following his move to Liverpool .
He even turned down an international call-up from Italy to focus on his club preparation, especially after missing out on Liverpool's 3-0 win over Manchester United . The club's latest 'Inside Training' video offers promising glimpses of Chiesa's readiness, showcasing him scoring various goals in training with the U21s.
Summer academy addition Rio Ngumoha didn't have to wait long to mix it up with the big boys. Newly arrived himself, Chiesa wasted no time embracing fellow newcomer Ngumoha as they gathered inside the AXA Training Centre for Thursday's drills.
"Ciao," extended Chiesa to the young talent previously with Chelsea, offering a handshake. "Nice to meet you," he continued, reciprocated warmly by Ngumoha.
Though their paths crossing on the training ground might be a first, it's poised to be a common sight should the England youth star prove his worth. A recent nine-minute and 44-second clip spotlighted Chiesa in fine form, deftly delivering eight goals across various drills and mini-games. And trust us they were top-notch finishes.
He swooped onto a lax backpass for his debut goal on film, coolly slotting past the keeper a statement of intent that fits snugly within Liverpool's pressing playbook.
Another highlight reel moment: Chiesa collected the ball wide right, fooled a defender with a quick shift, and drove home a shot that nicked off someone and into the net. Additionally, James Norris' assist led to a 'Brilliant Fede!' commendation as Chiesa lashed in a thunderous first-timer.
Chiesa's fourth goal saw him weave his way across the goal after cutting in from the right, before deftly nudging the ball home with the outside of his right boot. His fifth was a mirror image, only this time he finished back across goal on his weaker left foot.
The sixth goal is already making waves on social media, as Chiesa curled a stunner into the top corner from distance, leaving his young teammates in awe, with an audible 'Oooooooh!' echoing in the background.
But he wasn't done there. His seventh goal showcased his skill as he controlled a high diagonal pass on the left, cut inside to beat his man, and then unleashed a curling strike into the top corner.
His eighth goal in the video came from a pass from the goalkeeper in the center of the pitch, where he shrugged off a challenge, nutmegged a defender, and then side-footed into the bottom corner.
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