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Liverpool's new center-back, Giovanni Leoni, has been hailed as a potential world-class talent following his summer transfer from Parma.
The Reds, under Arne Slot, had a successful preseason, bolstering nearly all areas of their squad, even after clinching the Premier League title last season. Despite missing out on Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi on deadline day, Liverpool has made an impressive start to the campaign.
Maintaining their perfect start to the season, the Reds triumphed over local rival Everton 2-1 at Anfield on Saturday, as Ryan Gravenberch and Hugo Ekitike both scored. However, August signing Leoni is yet to make his mark.
Last season, the 18-year-old featured in 17 Serie A matches for Parma, but it was evident his acquisition was a long-term investment, especially with Virgil van Dijk ageing and ongoing uncertainty around Ibrahima Konate.
Despite not having played for the Reds yet, former Parma player Alessandro Lucarelli is confident that Leoni has the potential to become a household name in global football.
"Leoni, the best defender in the world? Looking ahead, he might be," Lucarelli told ForzaParma.
"Being the best defender in the world is tough.
"His qualities are unquestionable; he has everything it takes to become a world-class player.
"Time is on his side. He's very young and can still improve.
"Even at this age, he has shown he's one of the best young players in Europe; otherwise, Liverpool wouldn't have signed him."
Leoni may now have his prime chance to make his debut for the Reds in the coming week.
Liverpool is set to re-enter the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, aiming to surpass its performance from the previous season.
Thanks to their Champions League qualification, Slot's players were given a pass straight to the third round of this tournament.
They'll be facing off against recently-relegated Southampton at Anfield, and with a packed fixture schedule, Slot might be inclined to give Leoni his first start.
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