Paul Joyce revealed that Liverpool star Trey Nyoni could make his full debut in the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton. Liverpool head coach Arne Slot wants to expose the 17-year-old to the highest level, continuing his development as the midfielder.
Nyoni impressed Slot during the pre-season friendlies and the Dutch coach has managed the amount of top-level exposure he receives. The young Englishman has greatly boosted his reputation since breaking into the senior squad under Jurgen Klopp.
The legendary former Liverpool boss promoted Nyoni from the academy and used him during last season’s Carabao Cup final match. While Nyoni failed to make an appearance, the experience he received was crucial during the intensely hard-fought victory.
Liverpool fans have huge expectations from their young midfielder Trey Nyoni.
Liverpool fans have huge expectations from their young midfielder Trey Nyoni.
Speaking about Nyoni (via The Times), Slot highlighted that the 17-year-old needs to play more at the highest level possible. He said:
“He had some impact in pre-season and when he played against Seville he even scored a goal. So, a talent but only being a talent is not enough to play on a regular basis for the first team, so we need to keep developing him. He needs playing time to develop and that’s why sometimes as a manager you feel like, ‘We might need him with the first team, but it’s so, so important for him to keep playing his games.’ That’s why he played in Milan also with the under-19s, because for him to develop he needs to train with us and he needs to keep having his playing time at the highest possible level. Training with the likes of all the midfielders and players we have helps him to develop as well.”
Liverpool are currently at the top of the Premier League and the Champions League, taking every competition seriously under Slot. Nevertheless, a healthy rotation policy is crucial for them to maintain the fitness level of all the squad players.
The Reds have suffered some crucial injuries and cannot afford an injury crisis to escalate and derail them. At the same time, the Carabao Cup games provide them a chance to play other players to shrug off rustiness.
Furthermore, the young players need a platform to prove themselves and learn the mental strength it requires to play for Liverpool. Joyce claimed that Nyoni could potentially get his full debut for Liverpool against Southampton and it is an opportunity he needs to exploit comprehensively.
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The 17-year-old’s elegance on the ball, playmaking technique and maturity beyond his age make him one of the most promising academy players. Liverpool fans would love to see another academy player establishing himself at Anfield, continuing the club’s tradition.