Opportunity Kicks: Chiesa Steps up as Liverpool Look Ahead.
For Federico Chiesa, patience has finally paid off. When Liverpool first submitted their Champions League squad, his name was missing. Not because of form, but because UEFA only permits 17 non-homegrown players on List A, and Liverpool’s slots were already occupied.
Now, grateful to a new rule introduced this season, Chiesa has been handed his chance.
UEFA allows one change before the sixth group-stage game if a player suffers a long-term injury or illness.
Sadly for Leoni, his season has been cut short, but it opened the door for Chiesa to step in. Given his growing influence and strong performances in recent weeks, few can argue that he doesn’t deserve the spot. For him, this could be the moment to truly shine on Europe’s biggest stage.
Elsewhere in the squad, Hugo Ekitike’s bright start in red has given Liverpool fans plenty to cheer about, but Alexander Isak’s looming return could see the Frenchman drop to the bench. At first glance, that may look like a setback but in today’s game, it really isn’t.
As writer Mo Stewart notes, modern football has shifted. With managers now able to use five substitutes from a deep bench of internationals, the players who finish games are just as important as the ones who start them. Ekitike could very well become one of Klopp’s most reliable “finishers.”
And speaking of young talents, Liverpool fans may recall Jerome Sinclair’s record-breaking debut in 2012.
At just 16 years and six days old, he became the youngest ever to pull on the shirt, stepping onto the pitch against West Brom.
Liverpool won 2-1 thanks to Nuri Sahin, who scored both goals. Just three days later, Sahin struck again in a 5-2 win over Norwich, yet those would be his only goals for the club.
Sinclair’s promise also faded quickly, with just one start before moving on to Watford in 2016.
Football has a way of reminding us that opportunities are fleeting. For Chiesa, his big chance is now.
