Trey Nyoni Knocking on Liverpool’s Door After Outstanding Pre Season Displays

Trey Nyoni’s rapid development has become one of Liverpool’s biggest positives during pre season, with the teenager producing another composed display against Wrexham that prompted serious discussion about whether he has earned a place in Andoni Iraola’s starting side.

On the latest edition of Media Matters on Anfield Index, Dave Davis and Daily Mail journalist Lewis Steele were united in their praise for the young midfielder, with Steele even suggesting Nyoni has already done enough to start Liverpool’s opening Premier League fixture.

Following another assured performance, Iraola himself also highlighted the qualities that continue to separate Nyoni from many players of his age.

Iraola Sees Mature Qualities

Discussing Nyoni after Liverpool’s win over Wrexham, Dave Davis highlighted the midfielder’s statistics before referencing Iraola’s assessment of the youngster.

The Liverpool head coach said:

“He’s a midfielder who I always say you have to ask for the ball sometimes with pressure. And he doesn’t feel this pressure. Even when he’s got an opponent quite close, he asks for the ball. He’s that confident.”

That willingness to receive possession under pressure has been a consistent feature of Nyoni’s performances throughout pre season and appears to have made a significant impression on his new head coach.

Lewis Steele Makes Strong Starting XI Case

Lewis Steele revealed he has long believed Nyoni deserved greater opportunities.

“I’ve been banging the Nyoni drum for quite a while to be honest.”

Reflecting on last season, he added:

“I’ve said a few times I think he deserved a lot more minutes than he got last season and I think he was right to feel aggrieved that he didn’t get on the pitch a few more times than he did.”

Steele believes this summer could represent the midfielder’s breakthrough.

“I think this could genuinely be his breakout year.”

He then made perhaps the boldest statement of the entire discussion.

“I want to see him start in games. I think right now he’s already done enough for me to start the first Premier League game of the season.”

While acknowledging that Iraola may ultimately make a different decision, Steele pointed to Liverpool’s current midfield situation.

“There’s every reason why Trey Nyoni has got to be eyeing that first game of the season.”

He also believes the youngster possesses the mentality required for elite football.

“He’s shown that the pressure doesn’t faze him. And I think that he can handle the pressure. And Iraola seems to trust him to handle that pressure.”

Liverpool Midfield Opportunity Growing

With Alexis Mac Allister yet to return, Wataru Endo unavailable through injury and uncertainty surrounding Curtis Jones’ future, Steele believes the timing could hardly be better for Nyoni.

Rather than simply enjoying an encouraging pre season, the teenager is placing genuine pressure on Liverpool’s more experienced midfielders.

Steele summed up his performances across the United States by saying:

“He’s probably been Liverpool’s best player over the course of the two games.”

He expanded further.

“If you put the averages together, I think he’s been the best player.”

That is high praise considering Liverpool’s senior players involved during the tour, and it reflects just how highly Nyoni’s displays have been regarded.

Whether Iraola hands him a starting place on the opening weekend remains to be seen, but the message from both the Liverpool head coach and Lewis Steele during their discussion with Dave Davis was unmistakable. Trey Nyoni is no longer simply one of Liverpool’s brightest academy prospects. His pre season performances have placed him firmly in contention to become a genuine first team option as the new campaign approaches.