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Federico Chiesa would probably be the first one to tell you that his move to Liverpool has fallen significantly short of expectations, with the Italian international struggling to make meaningful impact during his first season at Anfield.

The 27-year-old winger, who joined the Reds with considerable fanfare last summer, finds himself relegated to a peripheral role under manager Arne Slot amid persistent fitness issues and fierce competition for places.

The Euro 2020 winner has made just 11 appearances across all competitions this season, scoring twice and providing two assists.

More concerning for the Italian is that he has featured in Liverpool’s starting lineup on only three occasions, with none of his three Premier League appearances coming as a starter.

A significant factor in Chiesa’s limited opportunities has been his direct competition with Mohamed Salah for the right-wing position.

When directly questioned about Chiesa’s prospects for increased playing time ahead of the Merseyside derby, Slot was characteristically frank in his assessment.

“It’s a competition with Mo Salah, and you can’t deny that Mo has had quite a good season.

Sometimes that can make it tough for him, but we know we can trust him,” the Dutch coach stated this week in his pre-Everton press conference.

Despite his frustrations, Chiesa has shown glimpses of his quality when given the opportunity?

He scored a consolation goal in Liverpool’s 2-1 EFL Cup Final defeat to Newcastle United before the March international break.

And, according to Merseyside reporter Lewis Steele, his goal against the Magpies was no accident.

Writing in his weekly Liverpool Confidential for the Daily Mail, the journalist has asserted that those at Kirkby feel Chiesa is in the best physical form since his Anfield arrival:

“Well-placed sources have told Confidential that Chiesa is in better shape now than he has been for more than 12 months — and the short but sweet cameo at Wembley a fortnight ago only underlines that,” the reporter wrote.

“Confidential understands he spent the international break working hard with fitness drills after not being selected by Italy after boss Luciano Spalletti said his time in England was a ‘failure’.

“Chiesa’s dad, former player Enrico, countered this by saying he was happy at Liverpool.”

Steele added that staff at Anfield have been happy that the Italy international still remains committed to the cause even in his reduced role:

“There is no player more animated than Chiesa on the substitutes’ bench,” Steele reveals.

“He metaphorically kicks every ball and is often on his feet clapping and cheering.”

“That has not gone unnoticed in the coaching staff — many players in his situation may be sulking.”

Chiesa’s lack of minutes as led to plenty of transfer links away from Merseyside.

Whether Chiesa can reverse his fortunes at Anfield or will seek rejuvenation elsewhere remains one of the more intriguing subplots as Liverpool’s season enters its final stages.

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