A product of Fiorentina’s academy, Chiesa Jr joined the club as a 10-year-old in 2007. He rose through the youth ranks and made his competitive debut in the 2016-17 season aged just 18.
Technically gifted, quick and skillful, it quickly became apparent that I Viola had yet another exciting attacking player on their hands. Chiesa’s versatility was an added bonus, as he could play everywhere across the frontline.
There would be some risk associated with signing a player who has played less than 2000 minutes over the past two seasons, but Chiesa’s enormous talent is worth the gamble.
Chiesa is a versatile wide forward capable of playing on both wings. His very direct approach and special on-on-one ability can cause problems for any defence.
Despite a stop-start 2022/23 season, the Juventus man’s numbers are remarkable.
His 4.86 progressive carries, 2.54 successful take-ons, 5.18 touches in the penalty area, 2.11 key passes and 0.53 assists per90 are all ranked in the late 90th percentile compared to other wingers in .
This makes him an all-action player who can drive at the opposition, take players on, get into the box and create a high volume of goalscoring opportunities for his team. He also has great shooting ability and chips in with goals too.
Chiesa caps off this offensive output with a great determination to press and win the ball back. His 1.06 tackles in the attacking third and 1.27 passes blocked P90 make him a truly standout talent.
Massimiliano Allegri’s team ranked 10th in the Serie A last season for the number of passes they allowed the opposition before making a defensive action. This typifies the manager's more passive approach towards football that some might suggest is getting outdated.
Chiesa has also been played out of position quite often by Allegri, in a system which does not favour wingers.
A player like Chiesa needs to be offered the creative freedom to flourish on the pitch, and it would be exciting to watch him play under a progressive and offensive-minded coach.
Top Italian players choose to spend their careers playing in the Serie A, but a fresh start in a different league might just be what is needed to get Chiesa’s career back on track.
Maybe he’ll get it this summer...