A irritating season for Liverpool has been formed not simply by outcomes, however by circumstances, and one of the vital missed elements has been the absence of gamers we merely haven’t been in a position to depend on.
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That’s the place Mark Lawrenson’s newest feedback on Giovanni Leoni provide some essential context, significantly across the weight of the absence of our new defender.
Lawrenson backs Leoni regardless of absence
Talking through talkSPORT, Lawrenson made it clear that the Italian teenager is very rated behind the scenes, even when we haven’t but seen that on the pitch.
“The opposite factor as nicely is the younger Italian man they’ve obtained, he’s going to be a fully excellent participant, however after all he’s coming significantly injured as nicely, so he’s not performed.”
That evaluation reinforces what many throughout the membership already imagine in regards to the 19-year-old, who arrived with a powerful repute however has been unable to contribute attributable to his long-term damage.
It additionally places into perspective among the defensive struggles we’ve skilled at instances this season, as a result of Leoni was clearly a part of the long-term plan somewhat than an instantaneous answer.
Damage issues have disrupted Liverpool plans
Lawrenson additionally pointed to the broader context, suggesting that our points on the again haven’t simply been about kind or ways, but additionally about how switch plans unfolded.
“100%, completely… it regarded for some time… that he was going to go to Liverpool, then unexpectedly it fully modified and that scuppered their plans.”
That reference to the Marc Guehi scenario highlights how rapidly issues can shift within the switch market, leaving Arne Slot working with a squad that hasn’t all the time been in a position to settle.
Leoni’s personal feedback on his damage underline simply how tough this era has been for him personally, with the Italian admitting he knew immediately he had suffered a critical setback.
On the identical time, the membership has already moved to strengthen for the long run, with Jeremy Jacquet set to reach subsequent season, which suggests we’re persevering with to construct depth in that space.
Finally, whereas Leoni hasn’t been in a position to present what he can do but, the assumption in his potential stays sturdy, and if Lawrenson is correct, then as soon as totally match, he may nonetheless develop into a significant a part of Liverpool’s long-term defensive plans.
