Federico Chiesa could be about to instantly prove his worth to Liverpool

For a fee of around $16m (£12m/€14m) inclusive of add-ons, Federico Chiesa has the potential to be the signing of the summer transfer window. And it might not be too long until Liverpool needs him to show why Arne Slot and Richard Hughes brought him in.

Chiesa could make his Liverpool debut against Nottingham Forest this weekend having stayed back from international duty with Italy to continue to make himself at home on Merseyside. And with so many matches to come, the extra depth he offers could very quickly become apparent.

"Federico has trained with the team now three or four times, so let’s see how he does today [Friday] and which decision I make," Slot said during his Friday press conference . "We have more than 20 players, so let's see if I choose for position or the ones that are the fittest at the moment."

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While Chiesa is still working his way back to full sharpness, he benefited from training with Liverpool's U21s during the first week of the international break, where he impressed with his professionalism. The 26-year-old has since been back with the main group as senior players gradually came back from various parts of the globe.

This weekend, with Luis Diaz having traveled back from South America in the last few days, there is a strong argument to give him a rest. Chiesa could add to the forward options to turn to off the bench if Diaz needs holding back.

Perhaps more importantly, though, Harvey Elliott's injury setback means he will be missing for a period. Dominik Szoboszlai has started the new season in excellent form but the Hungarian cannot play in every game. With two games per week until Elliott returns, someone else will be needed to rotate into the number 10 role.

Chiesa is definitely best when played out wide but the former Fiorentina and Juventus ace could be an option there. Cody Gakpo could drop into that position too, leaving Chiesa as one of the first substitutes in that scenario. Either way, the Italian will be useful.

And that is before considering the fact that Mohamed Salah will need to be rested at times, even if he starts the majority of the next seven games. Taking him off for an odd 20 minutes here and there could have a huge impact on his freshness and Chiesa has unlocked that as a realistic prospect no matter the scoreline.

Chiesa still has work to do before he is at full sharpness — and there remains a substantial question mark about his injury history — but the new Liverpool signing could be about to showcase his true value almost instantly. Even if he only comes off the bench before the next international break, Arne Slot will see a big benefit from having the extra attacking option.