Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has explained holding back summer signing Tiago Ilori.
The former Sporting Lisbon defender is yet to feature for Liverpool in the Premier League.
"Signing Ilori was about looking after the future of the club. Centre-halves are very hard to get," said Rodgers.
"I know as well as anyone, especially working with young players, that they need time in that area. He was one that became available. He wasn't overly-priced.
"I see the price that is quoted and it is nowhere near the mark to be honest. He has come in, he will have six months to adapt and then he will go out and get experience.
"Hopefully in the future, maybe long after I am gone, he can prove to be a talent. That is the responsibility of myself and the club going forward to nurture it.
"Of course I have to focus very much on the here and now, but I always have to respect the club and have one eye on the future."
