Liverpool 'pencil in' wonderkid for long-awaited DEBUT

Liverpool have pencilled in a debut later this month. It's one we've all been waiting for.

The international break is nearly over and Liverpool are back in action this weekend. In fact, they've got a busy month ahead of them.

There's a derby game with Everton shortly, while the Reds' UEFA Champions League campaign kicks off at home against Atlético Madrid. And then there's a Carabao Cup clash against Southampton as Liverpool attempt to go one better than they did last season.

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Good thing, then, that Arne Slot has such a mammoth squad at his disposal. The Reds boast elite options in every role - in fact, they boast two in virtually every position.

That level of quality has meant certain starts still haven't made their debuts. Alexander Isak is one of those, though he joined literally as the international break started.

Giorgi Mamardashvili is another - he's still waiting for an opportunity as Alisson Becker has played every minute so far. And then there's the new wonderkid set to make waves.

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Giovanni Leoni to make debut

Chris Bascombe writes in the Telegraph that Giovanni Leoni is ‘pencilled in’ for his Liverpool debut against Southampton later this month. The Reds will face the Saints in the Carabao Cup and it appears Leoni is being saved for that one.

It’s no great surprise, of course. Liverpool have a few players who feel like guarantees to feature in the fixture - essentially, those who aren’t nailed-on starters.

But there will be particular hype around Leoni. The 18-year-old arrives as one of the biggest prospects in Europe and arguably the top prospect at centre-back.

Liverpool certainly hope he’s the future of their defence and fans will finally get a look at him against Southampton. Provided nothing interrupts that, of course.

We’ll also hold out hope that Rio Ngumoha gets a start in that fixture. He’s certainly earned one and with Cody Gakpo starting every week on the left, that feels like a natural one for the prodigy to get the nod for.

An exciting month ahead, then.

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