Arne Slot set to hand Liverpool star an opportunity in a new position | OneFootball

Liverpool left with defensive dilemma after Leoni injury

Giovanni Leoni’s debut for Liverpool had been a rare spark of optimism, a teenager stepping into the spotlight with composure and maturity. Yet the cruel reality of football has quickly caught up. As confirmed by Fabrizio Romano, the 18-year-old has suffered a torn ACL and will now be sidelined for several months. What should have been a formative season will instead become a long rehabilitation.

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For Liverpool, the impact is significant. Leoni had looked assured alongside Joe Gomez against Southampton, even outshining the senior defender for spells. His absence not only halts his own progress but leaves Arne Slot with a thinner set of defensive options. With only three recognised senior centre-backs left, attention turns to who can now serve as the club’s fourth choice.

Photo: IMAGO

Endo trusted as Slot’s flexible option

Wataru Endo may not have been signed as a centre-back, but his quiet adaptability has already made him an indispensable squad member. The Japan international, originally brought in under Jurgen Klopp, has earned the respect of Slot. He has never complained about being used out of position, and his attitude has been praised repeatedly by those around the club.

Photo IMAGO

During pre-season, when injuries left Liverpool with only two fit defenders, Endo was deployed at centre-back. He handled the role with characteristic discipline and assurance. He has even filled in during competitive fixtures in the 2024-25 campaign. Now, with Leoni unavailable, Endo appears the logical solution for Slot to lean on again.

His performance against Southampton, where he brought calmness and structure, underlined why he could step up. If Liverpool are to sustain a challenge across competitions, Endo’s versatility will become a crucial asset in maintaining depth at centre-back.

Academy pathway offers further support

Liverpool’s academy has long provided solutions when the senior squad has been stretched. From Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard to Curtis Jones and Trent Alexander-Arnold, the pathway is proven. In this latest moment of need, Slot may again look to Kirkby for help.

Rhys Williams, now 24, still remains at the club. While not a long-term answer, his presence gives Slot an experienced if limited back-up option. Williams has already played at the highest level during Liverpool’s injury-ravaged 2020-21 season and could yet be useful in similar circumstances.

Photo: IMAGO

Amara Nallo is the younger, more intriguing prospect. At 18, he has already appeared in the Champions League, albeit a debut that ended with a red card. Even so, those who have tracked his development speak highly of his athleticism and composure. Training footage suggests a player unafraid of the physical demands of senior football. Slot may consider blooding him further if circumstances dictate.

Photo IMAGO

Slot’s balancing act in defence

The coming weeks will reveal how Slot manages this problem. For now, Gomez, Ibrahima Konaté and Virgil van Dijk remain the three pillars. Yet the margin for error is slimmer than ever, particularly given Gomez’s own history with injuries. Slot will have to weigh the immediate benefits of turning to Endo against the long-term value of exposing academy players to senior football.

What is clear is that Liverpool’s defensive depth has been tested early in the campaign. Leoni’s absence leaves a void that cannot be ignored, but it also provides an opportunity for others to step into responsibility. For Endo, Williams or Nallo, this could become a defining moment in their Liverpool journeys.