Federico Chiesa has impressed in flashes since joining Liverpool, but Danny Murphy believes it’s time the winger is trusted from the start rather than being used off the bench.

The Italian scored in the Reds’ 2-1 defeat to Crystal Palace and shone in their Carabao Cup win over Southampton, setting up both goals for Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike.

However, after recovering from a minor injury that ruled him out of the trip to Galatasaray, Chiesa found himself on the bench again during the 2-1 defeat to Chelsea.

Murphy, a member of Liverpool’s famous treble-winning squad in 2001, insists Chiesa deserves a longer run to prove his quality. “Whenever he’s come on, he looks confident and dangerous,” Murphy told AceOdds. “He’s full of energy and always a threat in front of goal.”

The ex-midfielder admitted that Cody Gakpo’s dip in form could open the door for Chiesa. “Gakpo’s a good player, but he’s been short of confidence lately. Chiesa has the spark Liverpool are missing on that left side.”

Murphy also said that even if Chiesa struggles to deliver consistently as a starter, he has already proven his worth as a high-impact substitute. “At some clubs, certain players thrive off the bench. But he deserves the chance to show if he can do it from kick-off too.”

Chiesa’s arrival was partly to fill the void left by Luis Díaz, who left the club over the summer. Murphy suggested Chiesa brings similar tenacity and pressing energy to the attack: “He’s got that same hunger and work ethic off the ball. That’s why I’d start him.”

Liverpool return to action on Sunday, October 19, hosting fierce rivals Manchester United at Anfield, where Chiesa could finally earn his first Premier League start under Slot.

Historically, Liverpool’s greatest teams have always found balance between hard work and flair from the relentless pressing of Jürgen Klopp’s side to the creativity of Rafa Benítez’s Champions League winners. Slot’s challenge now is to rediscover that blend and players like Chiesa could be key to reviving that identity.