By LAVIZKID | August 25, 2025
Former Manchester United captain turned pundit Gary Neville has caused a stir in the football world by claiming that Liverpool’s new signing, Federico Chiesa, has the potential to surpass Vinícius Jr. Neville didn’t stop at praising Chiesa; he also criticized Liverpool manager Arne Slot, describing his handling of the Italian winger as “poor management.” According to Neville, more consistent playing time could have already transformed Liverpool’s attacking threat.
Speaking after Liverpool’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Newcastle, Neville said: “In my opinion, he’s far better than Vinícius Jr. The reason he hasn’t reached his potential yet is poor management. Arne Slot has done a terrible job with him. If Chiesa got more minutes, he’d be helping Liverpool score even more goals.”
Chiesa’s Standout Performance at St. James’ Park
The Newcastle match was thrilling, but Chiesa stole the spotlight with a dynamic performance. Every touch of the ball carried danger, as he constantly troubled Newcastle’s defenders with his pace, agility, and unpredictable dribbling.
One standout run in the second half even drew comparisons to Vinícius Jr, leaving defenders chasing shadows and fans cheering wildly. Chiesa’s impact wasn’t just offensive—he tracked back, pressed aggressively, and battled for possession, demonstrating why Liverpool invested heavily in bringing him to Anfield. His performance raised questions about why Slot has not yet made him a guaranteed starter.
Neville’s Critique of Slot and Praise for Chiesa
Neville was blunt in his assessment:
“Chiesa sitting on the bench while others start is criminal.”
“If he was given regular minutes, he’d already be Liverpool’s most dangerous player.”
“Look at Vinícius Jr at Madrid—he became world-class because his managers trusted him. Chiesa has that same ceiling, maybe even higher.”
His comments quickly became a major talking point across TV shows, podcasts, and social media, fueling debates about Liverpool’s squad management.
Fan Reactions: Divided Opinions
Reactions online were immediate and mixed:
Supportive Liverpool fans: “Neville is right. Chiesa is on another level. Start him every week.”
Skeptics: “Vinícius has Champions League experience. Chiesa is good, but let’s not overhype one match.”
Rival fans: “A United legend stirring trouble at Liverpool? Classic Neville.”
Despite differing opinions, most agreed that Chiesa’s Newcastle performance showcased his top-tier talent.
The Bigger Picture
Arne Slot’s early tenure at Liverpool has already faced scrutiny, and Neville’s comments only added pressure. The key question is whether Slot will make Chiesa a regular starter or continue rotating him. With his speed, creativity, and ability to change games, Chiesa could become one of Europe’s most dangerous forwards—if given the trust and minutes he deserves.
Conclusion
Gary Neville’s statement that “Chiesa is better than Vinícius Jr” has sparked widespread debate, shining a spotlight on Liverpool’s management and their handling of a highly talented player. After his standout display in the 3-2 win over Newcastle, it’s clear that Federico Chiesa is more than just a squad player—he could be the game-changer Liverpool have been waiting for.
