Arne Slot thinks Liverpool have an 18-year-old defender who is 'first-team ready' this season

Liverpool are well on their way to defending the Premier League title this season.

The Reds have managed to win their first two top-flight games against Newcastle and Bournemouth, even if it was a bit of a struggle at times.

At the moment, Arne Slot’s men are third in the table and, with the way that things have panned out thus far, it feels like they’ll have to put up a good fight this term.

Their first test against a title rival is set to come on Sunday as they take on Arsenal at Anfield.

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And, even though there were a couple of dodgy moments in their wins against Bournemouth and Newcastle, it feels like with the right changes, Slot’s men will have a good chance of winning.

Arne Slot believes that Giovanni Leoni is first-team ready

Since several members of Liverpool’s first-team squad from last year have been sold, replacements have had to be sourced.

Players such as Jeremie Frimpong and Hugo Ekitike have both joined over the summer, and although it’ll likely take some time for the team to gel with one another, things are looking bright at Anfield.

Giovanni Leoni is another player who the Reds have recently signed, with the centre-back coming in as Liverpool’s replacement for Jarell Quansah.

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Last term, he was a regular feature for Serie A side Parma and, as per a report from Ben Jacobs’ X account, it seems like he could have a more prominent role than fans likely expected this term.

“Liverpool still have Marc Guehi on their radar but nothing advancing yet. Palace captain focused on Thursday’s Conference League game at Fredrikstad,” he wrote.

“Liverpool prepared to do a late window deal if Guehi decides he wants to leave.

“Crystal Palace remain willing sellers as they don’t want to lose Guehi on a free next summer.

“Liverpool would like to add Guehi now, but consider Giovanni Leoni as first-team ready, and thus believe they have four elite centre-backs options already at the club.”

Giovanni Leoni is the future of Liverpool’s back four

Seeing as though Virgil van Dijk now only has two years left on his Liverpool deal, it feels likely that the 2026-27 season could be the Dutchman’s last as the captain of the club.

At the moment, it’s clear that he’s still one of the world’s best centre-backs, and, if in a couple of years his form hasn’t dropped off, he could end up extending his stay.

But, just in case he does lose his pace or ends up performing below par, it’s nice to know that someone such as Leoni is ready and waiting to take over.

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Not only is the centre-back left-footed, but he’s also 6’4, which makes him just as tall as the Dutchman.

At the moment, it’s anyone’s guess what could happen, but if Slot sees Leoni as first-team ready right now, who knows how good he could end up becoming in the future.

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