Liverpool's new signing tipped to become 'best in the world' after £26m transfer

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Arne Slot's team enjoyed a highly fruitful pre-season as they managed to strengthen almost all areas of their squad - even after winning the Premier League title last season.

On deadline day, the Reds missed out on Crystal Palace centre-back Marc Guehi in the only blotch on their record.

While that deal fell through, Liverpool have still managed a superb start to the campaign.

The Reds continued their 100 per cent start to the season on Saturday lunchtime, as they beat fierce rivals Everton 2-1 at Anfield.

While he may not have featured for the Reds yet, former Parma player Alessandro Lucarelli believes Leoni has what it takes to make a name for himself in world 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, perhaps, now has his best opportunity to make his debut for the Reds in midweek.

Liverpool return to the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night as they look to go a step further than last season.

Owing to Champions League qualification, Slot's side received a bye to the third round of this competition.

Their opponents will be recently-relegated Southampton at Anfield and, with matches coming thick and fast, Slot could well be encouraged to give Leoni his first start.

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