Chiesa MOTM in Liverpool EFL Cup win, Slot: ‘Most involved & worked the hardest’ | OneFootball

Federico Chiesa put in a stellar performance yesterday evening in Liverpool’s 2-1 EFL Cup win against Southampton.

The Italian winger picked up two assists and was a constant threat for the Reds, as they count themselves lucky to beat the Championship side.

For the first goal, the Italian stole possession off of an opposition player in the Southampton penalty box and spotted unmarked summer signing Alexander Isak – Chiesa slotting the ball through to him for the Swedish forward to put away with ease.

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND – AUGUST 25: Federico Chiesa of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Liverpool at St James’ Park on August 25, 2025 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Then, deep into the second half with just five minutes to go and the score tied at 1-1, Chiesa made a good run down the left flank before another simple pass to French forward Hugo Ekitike for the former Frankfurt man to tap into an empty net. Ekitike was then sent off for a second yellow card offence after taking his shirt off to celebrate.

Chiesa ‘worked the hardest’ – Liverpool coach Slot

Speaking after the match, Slot was full of praise for Chiesa, who has not had many chances this season but has already impressed in his cameo appearances.

Liverpool coach Arne Slot (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

With quotes via Liverpool’s official website, Slot said “What I always want to see is players that try and work hard. So I said at half-time, for me it is completely not coincidence that Federico picked the ball and assisted the first, because he was, in my opinion, the one that was most involved in the game, tried the most and worked the hardest.

“Just always be ready to play,” he continued, “That’s also the way to get yourself either back in the team or get as much playing minutes as you want. That’s why I was happy with a few individual performances but far from happy with a few of the others…”