Giovanni Leoni is very strong in the air. He’s a technically gifted player as well. He can come out from defence and start building from the back, but he’s obviously at his most impactful in the air. He’s improved a lot in that area too.
A couple of big clubs in Italy, including AC Milan and Inter Milan, were also after him. So I didn’t expect a bold move from a Premier League club so early, to be honest. But Liverpool put the money on the table – probably even a bit more than Parma were originally asking for.
Who wouldn’t fancy playing Anfield? I think any player would be happy to join Liverpool – and, of course, the Premier League, which is the most entertaining and attractive league in the world right now.
I would have loved to see Giovanni join a big Italian club before moving abroad. But that’s football – the market is open. If a club like Liverpool comes in with 30m euros plus bonuses, it’s difficult to turn down such an offer.
It will be difficult for him to start regularly – he knows that. But I don’t think that’s a major problem at his age.
Having the opportunity to be part of such a strong squad and play alongside great players, especially someone like Virgil van Dijk, is a huge opportunity.
Listen to the rest of Daniele Verri’s interview with Radio Merseyside on BBC Sounds.