With all the noise surrounding the start of their Premier League campaign on Friday, Liverpool quietly bagged their fifth signing of the summer.
The Reds have been busy in the window, actively strengthening a squad which won the title at a canter last term.
And after Hugo Ekitike, Florian Wirtz, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong all joined in July, Giovanni Leoni put pen to paper as another new addition.
With Liverpool looking light at centre-back, Leoni’s arrival from Parma has been greeted with enthusiasm by the fanbase.
Though the Italian is only 18, he clearly has a big future ahead of him. Liverpool supporters can see that and are delighted to see him develop at Anfield.
Plenty of Serie A sides had reportedly been keen on Leoni after his breakthrough in the division last term. But after missing out on one of the biggest talents in Italy, insiders are reportedly comparing Leoni to former World Cup winner Andrea Barzagli.
Giovanni Leoni compared to Andrea Barzagli
Liverpool have not had the best history with Italian players, although Federico Chiesa’s late goal against Bournemouth on Friday may start to change that.
Leoni’s arrival can help to turn the tide as well, with a certain mythical status attached to Italian defenders of old.
But while Liverpool fans have been quick to compare Leoni to the likes of Paolo Maldini and Alessandro Nesta, The Athletic report that inside the Italian game he is drawing more likeness to Barzagli.
They claim that one sporting director has anonymously stated the comparison between the two players, which is described as ‘no faint praise.’
READ MORE: Federico Chiesa hints at whether he’s leaving Liverpool after scoring dramatic Bournemouth winner
Barzagli is lesser heralded than Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci, who he partnered at Juventus, but in Italy, the 73-cap international is said to be seen as a ‘foundational piece’ of the Juve side which won nine Scudetto in succession.
Chiellini and Bonucci are both claimed to cite Barzagli as a player who made them better defenders, with Leoni seemingly possessing a similar skillset.
Leoni modelling game on Virgil van Dijk and Chris Smalling
While comparisons with a player as decorated as Barzagli will be music to Liverpool fans’ ears, it is also encouraging that Leoni idolises current Reds skipper Virgil van Dijk.
“For me he’s the best defender in the world and I want to meet him as soon as possible,” the teenager told LFCTV in his first interview with the club on Friday.
“The personality is fantastic when he plays. So comfortable with the ball, without the ball, he’s a leader.”
But according to The Athletic, Leoni also models his game on former Man United and Roma defender Chris Smalling.
If Liverpool’s new No. 15 can follow in both of his idols steps and secure a Premier League title, no one should be surprised.
Receive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox
