"I like him as a player, he's got a lot of class" – Michael Owen gives honest verdict on Liverpool star following West Ham United victory
Ex-Liverpool striker Michael Owen has labelled Federico Chiesa as a good signing for the Reds, suggesting the Italian joined the Premier League team as a rotational option.
Chiesa, who helped Italy lift the UEFA Euro 2020 trophy, left Juventus in a potential £12.5 million move to join the Reds last month. The 26-year-old made his debut for his new club in a recent 3-1 UEFA Champions League win at AC Milan. He started his first game for them in a 5-1 EFL Cup triumph over West Ham United earlier this Wednesday.
Speaking to DAZN, Owen revealed his honest opinion on the former Juventus and Fiorentina winger following the player's assist to Diogo Jota against West Ham. He said (h/t Liverpool Echo):
"I like him as a player, I think he's got a lot of class. He's obviously experienced as well and I think he's a good player to bring in to bolster the squad. If he does really well, then of course he's going to hold a place down, but as things start at the early stage of the season... I would suggest that he will be more of an impact player and he's going to have to play his way into the team."
Explaining why Chiesa is a fine signing for the Reds, Owen added:
"However, as I say he's got class... he's got experience too, he's obviously a talented lad, and speaks the language, so hopefully he settles in pretty well. I think it's a really good buy. Liverpool have almost utilised the club, the badge, the history, and everything else to get somebody who might be worth a little bit more than they've paid. I think it's been a good signing, but again time will tell."
Chiesa, who bagged 10 goals in 37 overall appearances for Juventus last season, has played in three games in all competitions for his club.
Liverpool keen to sign Dutch midfielder
According to Spanish news website Fichajes.net, Liverpool are keeping close tabs on Feyenoord captain Quinten Timber. They would launch a move for the player in the winter transfer window should they again fail to attract Real Sociedad's Martin Zubimendi next January.
Since the start of the 2023-24 term, Timber has registered 10 goals and 10 assists in 50 outings across all competitions for the Eredivisie outfit.
Timber, whose current deal is set to expire in June 2026, played in 74 total games for Feyenoord under current Liverpool manager Arne Slot.