Liverpool’s thrilling 2-1 win over Southampton in the League Cup should have been a night of celebration. But behind the scenes, a worrying reality is beginning to surface. Giovanni Leoni, the club’s promising teenage centre-back signing, left the pitch late with a suspected serious knee injury—potentially an ACL tear. With already thin defensive options, this setback could expose a critical flaw in Arne Slot’s squad planning, threatening to derail the season before it truly gains momentum.
Leoni’s Injury Casts Shadow Over League Cup Win
Amidst the drama of Hugo Ekitike’s red card, the most alarming moment in Liverpool’s midweek victory came in the dying stages. Giovanni Leoni, the highly rated £26 million signing from Parma, went down awkwardly after a challenge, appearing to jar his knee. Though the club awaits MRI results, early signs point to a potentially season-ending ACL injury.
The 18-year-old had been a standout performer, completing more passes than anyone else on the pitch and trailing only Wataru Endo in defensive contributions. His composure and physicality had drawn praise from Italian legend Arrigo Sacchi, who called the move a “great coup” for Liverpool. But now, what looked like a shrewd long-term signing could leave a short-term hole the Reds are ill-prepared to fill.
Defensive Depth: A Problem Hiding in Plain Sight
Leoni’s injury has spotlighted an uncomfortable truth—Liverpool’s defensive cupboard is worryingly bare. The exits of Trent Alexander-Arnold to Real Madrid and Jarrel Quansah to Bayer Leverkusen thinned the backline significantly.
While Virgil van Dijk and Ibrahima Konaté form a world-class pairing, the depth behind them is questionable. Joe Gomez, once seen as a top talent, has struggled to convince and remains inconsistent. Rhys Williams, now 23, has barely featured in the Premier League since 2021 and spent last season with Morecambe in League Two, a team that was eventually relegated.
Missed Opportunity: The Guehi Deal That Never Happened
Liverpool’s failure to secure Marc Guehi from Crystal Palace now looms large. He was a long-term target throughout the summer, but the club hesitated, reportedly waiting for a better deal. That gamble backfired when Palace stood firm, leaving Liverpool without the defensive reinforcement they desperately needed.
It’s a rare misstep for a club often praised for transfer market efficiency. While no one could have foreseen Leoni’s injury, the lack of a solid contingency plan raises eyebrows—especially when compared to the depth boasted by Premier League rivals.
How Liverpool Compare to Their Rivals
Across the league, Liverpool’s title contenders boast a wealth of centre-back options:
- Arsenal have Mosquera, Hincapié, Timber, Calafiori, and White all capable of playing centrally.
- Manchester City are spoiled for choice with Gvardiol, Dias, Stones, Aké, and new signing Khusanov.
- Chelsea possess no fewer than eight players who can slot in at centre-back.
In contrast, Liverpool are dangerously reliant on the fitness of Van Dijk and Konaté—both of whom have a history of injuries.
Aging Van Dijk, Unsettled Konaté Raise Further Questions
Van Dijk, now 34, remains an elite presence but has suffered increasing niggles since his major ACL injury in 2020. His game may not rely on pace, but age inevitably brings risk.
Konaté, meanwhile, has had a shaky start to the season and is reportedly attracting interest from Real Madrid. His current contract situation has yet to be resolved, and the possibility of a free transfer could become a major distraction as the season unfolds.
Full-Back Frustrations Compound the Problem
The defensive issues aren’t limited to the centre. Losing Alexander-Arnold didn’t just cost Liverpool a top defender—it also disrupted their creative engine. His link-up play with Mohamed Salah was near-telepathic, and Jeremie Frimpong has yet to build the same chemistry. Salah, despite solid numbers, has looked out of sync.
On the left, Slot appears unconvinced by Milos Kerkez. The Hungarian full-back has already been subbed off early twice this season, suggesting a lack of trust from the manager.
Defensive Metrics Tell the Story
After five games, Liverpool have conceded five goals—ranking joint ninth-worst in the Premier League, tied with a leaky Manchester City side. For comparison, it took until matchday nine last season for Liverpool to ship the same number.
The data supports the concern: this is not a team defending with the assurance of title contenders.
One Injury Away From a Crisis
Giovanni Leoni’s potential ACL injury may have wider implications than expected. With the club already thin at the back, one more setback to Van Dijk or Konaté could push Liverpool into a full-blown defensive crisis.
Despite spending over £400 million this summer, the Reds may have overlooked the one area that could define their season. Without adequate reinforcements, all the attacking firepower in the world won’t be enough to paper over the cracks at the back.
