Liverpool have struggled in the early days of the transition from Arne Slot to Andoni Iraola, but the Merseyside club have been solid defensively.
The Reds recorded three clean sheets in their last five games, including two successive Premier League shut-outs before the extended international break.
Liverpool captain Virgil Van Dijk has been typically top, while Jeremy Jacquet has been the club’s best acquisition in some time, and Ronaldo Araujo has looked good too.
Unfortunately, Liverpool centre-back Giovanni Leoni has been unable to contribute after being sidelined for almost a year following an ACL injury.
Despite being injured, Italian giants Juventus wanted to take Leoni on loan from the Reds, but the Premier League side refused the offer.
However, they have not given up their pursuit just yet, per La Gazzetta dello Sport. They are keen to add more Italians to their squad, and he is at the top of their shortlist.
Juve are considering a move for Leoni in January after he recovers from the injury that has stalled what looked like an exciting development trajectory.
Liverpool need to send Leoni on loan but must prioritise game time
For Liverpool, the priority should be making sure Leoni gets regular football once he is fully fit.
A move to Turin could sound attractive given the club’s stature and Leoni’s Italian background, but it may not be the best for his development.
Several experienced defenders are competing for places, so there is no guarantee the young centre-back would get the minutes he needs.
Liverpool should therefore consider sending Leoni out on loan for the second half of the season, but only if they can find a club where he is expected to play regularly.
A return to Italy could make sense, but Juve are unlikely to offer the consistent game time he needs after such a serious injury.
At this stage of his career, playing every week and rebuilding his confidence should matter more than anything as he bids to get his development back on track.