Liverpool fans should be expecting to see Giovanni Leoni develop into an ‘outstanding’ young defender when he returns to fitness.
The Italian looked promising on his debut in September, but suffered a devastating setback after picking up a serious knee injury.
Liverpool have badly missed Leoni in his absence, and according to legendary former defender Mark Lawrenson, he is going to become a special player when he comes back.
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Arne Slot during the Emirates FA Cup Quarter Final match between Manchester City and Liverpool
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Lawrenson backs Leoni’s potential
Leoni had been expected to play a big part at Liverpool this season, with the Reds initially planning to sign him alongside Marc Guehi.
When asked about the failure to add Guehi for TalkSPORT, Lawrenson highlighted the 19-year-old’s injury as another big reason for Liverpool’s difficulties this season.
“100 per cent, absolutely,” said the pundit when asked if the Guehi situation had played a part.
“It looked for a while, we were hearing certainly that he was going to go to Liverpool, then all of a sudden it completely changed and that scuppered their plans.”
Giovanni Leoni pictured in action during Liverpool's Carabao Cup match against Southampton at Anfield.
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“The other thing as well is the young Italian guy they’ve got, he’s going to be an absolutely outstanding player, but of course he’s coming seriously injured as well, so he’s not played.
“So, he’s not been lucky, the manager, with injuries, but everybody gets them and you’ve just got to deal with it.”
Liverpool have since added to their ranks with 20-year-old Jeremy Jacquet, and the Reds clearly have hopes that the pair can develop into their next great, long-term defensive partnership.
It remains to be seen how well Leoni comes back from his spell out, and caution should be taken in putting too much expectation on his shoulders, but as Lawrenson points out, the young defender has the potential to be a world-beater.
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