'Is this a joke?!' - Federico Chiesa scoops Liverpool's Player of the Month award as fans turn on Arne Slot for benching 'best player'

Chiesa has been voted Liverpool’s Standard Chartered Men’s Player of the Month for September, securing 34% of fan votes in the official club poll. Alisson Becker and Ryan Gravenberch tied for second place with 18% each, but Chiesa’s impact in limited minutes proved decisive. Despite starting just one Carabao Cup fixture all month, the Italian’s three goal involvements across three appearances captured the admiration of supporters.

Chiesa was at his creative best during the Reds’ 2-1 Carabao Cup third-round win over Southampton at Anfield, providing an assist for Alexander Isak while earning the Player of the Match award. Days later, he came off the bench to score in Liverpool’s 2-1 Premier League defeat to Crystal Palace, though the result overshadowed his personal contribution. The 27-year-old’s spark and energy in cameo appearances have prompted many fans to demand he play a more central role in Slot’s plans.

Collecting the award at the AXA Training Centre, Chiesa expressed his gratitude to supporters, saying: "Of course, I'm glad I won this prize. Thank you to the fans for the support and for voting for me. I would rather not get it in the future and win more games. But thank you again.

"The support always has been amazing. I try to give my best on the pitch for the fans and for Liverpool. I love to see that the fans actually appreciate what I'm doing."

On social media, Liverpool fan @luciruoc questioned: "Is this a joke! Fede is brilliant but how can you win PotM being a bench player than rarely gets more than 15 mins a match."

@MartinEra_ joked: "Spent 500M and 13M Chiesa is your best player."

@tsk58cc wrote: "Imagine - bench player winning it. Shows how poor the team has been and also strange that Fede doesn't get more starts."

@eramiegbami said: "My kind of player. Head down. No complaints. Gets his chance and plays like it’s a Champions League final."

@briggsisgreat added: "Man’s been running like he’s got rent due every week, give that guy two trophies — one for performance and one for pure chaos energy on the pitch."

@Akmathurx concluded: "Player of the month from the bench. I can't believe he's still not starting any games. So happy for him, our most hardworking player."

Chiesa’s award comes amid growing tension within the fanbase over Slot’s squad management and player rotation choices. The former Juventus winger, who joined Liverpool last year, has often been seen as a game-changer from the bench yet continues to be overlooked for a regular starting berth. His performances this season have reignited calls for him to start ahead of several underperforming attackers, particularly with Liverpool struggling for consistency in the Premier League.

His direct involvement in three of Liverpool’s goals this month despite limited game time underscores his effectiveness and sharpness in the final third. As frustration builds, many fans have taken to social media questioning whether Slot’s tactical setup is holding back one of Liverpool’s most dynamic attacking talents.

Chiesa himself has maintained professionalism amid the debate, insisting that he remains focused on contributing whenever called upon. "Whatever the minutes are that I’m playing, I try to give my best, I try to help the team, stay positive and make an impact," he said. "That’s what I’m here for. I hope I keep on pushing and giving something back to the fans."

Liverpool’s upcoming fixtures offer Chiesa another chance to stake his claim for a regular starting role, especially as they face a mini-injury crisis with five games staring them down in the next 15 days.

With the Reds aiming to end a stuttering domestic run and maintain momentum in Europe, Slot will be under pressure to reassess his lineup and reward form over reputation. Chiesa’s creative influence and eye for goal have become too evident to ignore, and fan sentiment could soon make his inclusion a necessity rather than an option.