One of the brightest prospects to have emerged from Serie A last season was Federico Chiesa. The Fiorentina youngster was in fine form in the 2017/18 campaign, scoring six goals and providing nine assists 36 league games. His impressive displays have attracted the interest of Premier League giants Manchester United, Liverpool and Manchester City, while Fiorentina have slapped a £62m price tag on the player.
If Chiesa decides to leave La Viola in the summer, which English club would suit him the best?
Manchester United:
If Chiesa chooses Manchester United, he will have to compete with a crowded lineup for the right-wing position. However, the left-wing has proved to be a problematic area for the Red Devils, with no one being able to nail down a regular spot.
If Chiesa does move to Old Trafford, he will have to compete with the likes of Juan Mata for a spot in the left-wing.
But with Jose Mourinho’s style of play suited to a more defensive approach, he could see his growth as an attacking prospect curtailed. On the other hand, his defensive attributes could improve under the Portuguese manager. A winger needs to be sound at both ends of the pitch, and joining Manchester United will surely help Chiesa to take his game to the next level.
Manchester City:
Manchester City will probably be the hardest team for Chiesa to break into at the moment. While his ideal position is the right-wing, Leroy Sane’s blistering form means that he will most likely not play in that position. This is where Chiesa’s versatility will come in. The youngster can also play as an attacking midfielder, a central midfielder and as a second striker.
His growth under Pep Guardiola will be tremendous considering the Spaniard’s past record in dealing with young players. City also have an established set-up where players are given chances based on merit, and this could push Chiesa to improve the way Raheem Sterling did last season.
Liverpool:
Liverpool are also a good option for Chiesa because the Reds don’t have an able back-up to their potent front three. Danny Ings has not been the same since his slew of injuries and Chiesa could be an effective fourth player, who can rotate with Sadio Mane, Roberto Firmino and Mohamed Salah. Chiesa’s dynamism means that he can also prove to be an effective performer down the middle.
Jurgen Klopp also has the ability to get the best out of his players, and with the pace and trickery Chiesa possesses, a move to Anfield seems prudent.
However, only time will tell whether Chiesa lives up to his potential. Such a young prospect needs to be taken care of well, and Chiesa will have some big calls to make in the summer.