What Federico Chiesa told Rio Ngumoha as Liverpool new signing wows his new teammates

Federico Chiesa Impresses with Under-21s.

Federico Chiesa is showcasing his sharpness as he prepares for a potential Liverpool debut against Nottingham Forest on September 14. During the international break in September, the Italian is training with the Reds’ Under-21s.

Coach Barry Lewtas stated on Friday, “With Federico, it gives him a chance to build his fitness and get him ready for the season as well. 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.”

While this offers a valuable learning experience for the young players to challenge themselves against the Euro 2020 winner, they faced a significant test from Chiesa.

Chiesa, having been deemed surplus to requirements at Juventus and sidelined by new manager Thiago Motta, last played in late June when Italy exited Euro 2024 in the round-of-16 against Switzerland. Given his recent inactivity, he required time to regain his form upon joining Liverpool.

This is why he turned down an international call-up from Italy as a non-playing squad member this month. The 26-year-old is eager to participate, especially after missing Liverpool’s 3-0 victory at Manchester United.

Signs are promising for his home match against Forest, as indicated by the club’s latest ‘Inside Training’ video, which shows Chiesa scoring several goals during his session with the Under-21s.

When Fede Met Rio

Although Chiesa is no longer Liverpool’s most recent signing with the inclusion of academy arrivals, he quickly got to know Rio Ngumoha ahead of Thursday’s session.

The forward greeted the 16-year-old Ngumoha upon spotting him at the AXA Training Centre. “Ciao,” Chiesa said before shaking hands. “Nice to meet you,” he added, with Ngumoha reciprocating the gesture.

While this may be their first training session together, if Ngumoha meets the expectations, it will certainly not be their last.

Goals Galore

In the nearly ten-minute video, Chiesa is seen scoring an impressive eight goals in various drills and small-sided games, with some being particularly spectacular.

He capitalized on a weak backpass for his first goal, neatly finishing past the goalkeeper. His second goal involved receiving the ball on the right, sidestepping a defender, and firing a deflected shot across goal. He earned a ‘Brilliant Fede!’ for another powerful first-time shot from James Norris’ pass.

Chiesa’s fourth goal came from dribbling across the goal and finishing with the outside of his right foot. His fifth was a similar run, but he scored with his weaker left foot.

The sixth goal, widely shared on social media, featured Chiesa curling a long-range effort into the top corner, leaving his young teammates in awe with a background shout of ‘Oooooooh!’

He continued with a seventh goal where he controlled a high pass, cut inside, and struck into the top corner. His eighth goal involved receiving the ball from the goalkeeper, holding off a challenge, nutmegging a defender, and scoring with a sidefoot finish into the bottom corner.

Positional Hint?

Throughout the session, Chiesa predominantly played on the right wing, suggesting that he may serve as a quality alternative to Mohamed Salah in that position.

Nevertheless, Chiesa’s versatility allows him to operate across the front three, as evidenced by the range of his goals. His ability to score with both feet, particularly from the right-hand side, indicates he could be a natural fit for this role.

Briggs Backing Rio

First-team individual development coach Aaron Briggs, who took over from Vitor Matos this summer, was active during Thursday’s session, offering encouragement to Ngumoha.

“Very good, Rio. Good!” Briggs was heard saying. “Change direction. Yes, Rio. Good timing, time this run. Time this run. Brilliant.”

Though Ngumoha didn’t match Chiesa’s goal tally, he displayed his talent by repeatedly trying to cut in from the left onto his stronger right foot. He was thwarted by the post on one attempt, earning a shout of “Unlucky Rio, unlucky” from an onlooker.

After the session, Chiesa made it a point to shake hands with every member of the team and staff, showing his willingness to integrate and settle in well.