Anfield Index
·15 de março de 2026
Alisson Becker heaps praise on ‘special’ Liverpool teammate

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Yahoo sportsAnfield Index
·15 de março de 2026

Liverpool squads that win major honours often rely on more than the names that dominate the starting XI. Behind the goals, assists and headline performances sits a core group of players who shape the dressing room culture and keep standards high every day.
At Anfield under Arne Slot, that culture remains central to Liverpool’s continued push at the top of English football. One player who appears to embody that spirit is Federico Chiesa. According to Alisson Becker, the Italian international contributes far more to Liverpool than his limited minutes might suggest.
Federico Chiesa arrived at Liverpool in 2024 with considerable expectations following his reputation at Juventus and with Italy. However, opportunities have been limited. Under Arne Slot, Chiesa has made only two Premier League starts, a surprisingly low number for a player with his pedigree.
Despite the lack of regular starts, Chiesa has developed a strong connection with Liverpool supporters. His enthusiasm, visible determination and willingness to fight for the badge have made him a popular figure around Anfield.

Photo: IMAGO
Inside the dressing room, the impact appears even greater. While many focus on matchday performances, players and staff often emphasise the importance of attitude during training sessions, preparation and recovery periods.
Chiesa’s positive presence seems to resonate strongly with teammates, something that Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker was quick to highlight when discussing players who influence the squad behind the scenes.
Alisson Becker was asked to name the Liverpool player who helps “keep everything ticking in the background”. His answer pointed directly towards Federico Chiesa.
“A special player in our team who supports me a lot and helps me go further, is Federico Chiesa,” the goalkeeper told the Premier League YouTube channel.
“He brings energy to the team, even when he’s not playing, but when he plays, he always makes a difference to the team, no matter what he needs to do.
“He is a winner for that.”
Those comments offer insight into how Liverpool’s dressing room functions. Players who remain positive despite limited opportunities can strengthen squad unity, something that becomes vital across a demanding Premier League campaign.
Liverpool’s attacking options have struggled for consistency in recent matches. Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo have both endured difficult spells in front of goal, prompting debate among supporters about potential changes to the forward line.
Naturally, that discussion often circles back to Federico Chiesa and whether he deserves more minutes. While his appearances have been sporadic, he remains firmly embedded within the Liverpool squad structure.
Managers value players who continue pushing standards regardless of selection decisions. Training intensity, dressing room morale and professional attitude can influence results as much as tactical tweaks.
Chiesa appears to embody that role at Liverpool. Even when he remains on the bench, his energy and competitiveness help maintain a demanding environment.
For a club competing across multiple competitions, those qualities are essential. Title winning squads require contributors at every level of the dressing room, not only the players who start every weekend.
Federico Chiesa may not yet be a regular in Liverpool’s starting XI, but if Alisson Becker’s words are any indication, his importance inside the squad is clear. In a team built on collective effort, those unseen contributions still matter.









































