Giovanni Leoni: The Liverpool-linked Parma sensation who idolises Virgil van Dijk and is being touted as the new Alessandro Bastoni

There is arguably no better place to study the art of defending than Italy, and Giovanni Leoni is already looking like the country's next great centre-back. However, the 18-year-old would be the first to admit that he's also been shaped by English football.

Leoni grew up watching the Premier League on television and, according to his childhood friends, knew the name of every single player in every single team by heart. There was one name, though, that meant more to Leoni than any other: Virgil van Dijk. He idolised the Dutchman - and still does, which is good news for Liverpool, as the Reds are one of several sides interested in signing one of the most promising young players Italy has produced in years...