News'I played against Federico Chiesa - I was very happy he signed for Liverpool'

Italy forward Chiesa completed a move to the Reds from Juventus shortly before last month’s transfer deadline and is now awaiting his first appearance for Arne Slot’s team.

Former Liverpool midfielder Lucas came up against Chiesa – a Euro 2020 winner with his nation three years ago – on several occasions while representing Lazio in Serie A.

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“I was very happy when I saw the signing,” says Lucas on the latest episode of LFCTV’s Extra Time. “I played against him when he was at Fiorentina, and afterwards Juventus.

“A fantastic player. Of course, he is coming back from a big injury – I’m sure Liverpool are looking after him and seeing the best time to play him. He can play on the left wing, on the right wing. He has pace to be an important player, and he comes into a team that is very well structured.

“I think he is a player that adds a lot for the squad and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Alongside Lucas on the new edition of Extra Time is another ex-Red in the form of goalkeeper David James, who is equally excited by Chiesa’s potential impact at Anfield.

“I love him,” James enthuses. “There’s a style that he plays with. He almost sticks his head down, it’s 100 per cent energy in whatever he is doing. He has got the skills, we all know that.

“Watching on social media this week [a clip] where he has taken a ball down superbly and bent it into the top right-hand corner [in training]. What he gives – and I’ve seen him do this for the Italian side – is that when he is committed, he is 100 per cent committed.

“Where he has a lot of what Liverpool already have, this is a style of play that a lot of Premier League defenders will not be used to. It’s not fancy footwork all the time, it might be energy and commitment – he gives it in spade-loads.

“It’s another dimension that opponents are going to struggle with. When needed, he is going to be called upon and I think he will deliver. I think it’s a fantastic signing.”

Lucas adds: “Let’s not forget, before the injury Chiesa was one of the most important players for Italy in the Euros [in 2021]. A fantastic signing, he can play on both sides, and a lot of pace – so, it will be interesting.”

Extra Time premieres on LFCTV at 9pm BST on Thursday and will be available on demand on LFCTV GO.