The 27-year-old has played a bit-part role at the Premier League side since signing for the club last summer, with just 17 appearances to his name under manager Arne Slot who left the Italian international out of his Champions League squad last month.
Chiesa is tied to a contract at Liverpool through to 2028 and will likely be used as an impact sub now that The Reds have signed Alexander Isak. Speaking in association with BetVictor Online Casino, Di Matteo told GOAL about how the best of Chiesa is yet to come as he grows in confidence.
“If he stays fit, he’s one hell of a player. I know him very well. He just hasn’t been able to show his true qualities. Let’s not forget that Liverpool did pretty well last season - they had a settled team, (Luis) Diaz and (Mohamed) Salah on the sides. It wasn’t easy to break into that team.
“He showed glimpses of what he can do. But there are so many games, he’s not in the Champions League squad, but he might get more Premier League time. It’s just a shame that we don’t see more of him because he’s a quality player.”
Although Slot left Chiesa out of his Champions League selection, Chiesa will almost certainly get his chance against Southampton in the EFL and when Liverpool face Everton this weekend. The winger has already scored a late winner against Bournemouth and if Di Matteo is right, this is only the start for a player who is now in his prime.