Liverpool U21s coach Rob Page has admitted that Trey Nyoni is “in a difficult space right now” but thinks “there’s a talented, talented footballer in there.”
One of Liverpool’s most exciting youngsters, Arne Slot took to Nyoni immediately after arriving last summer, taking him on the pre-season tour and playing him five times last season.
This campaign, Nyoni started both of the Reds’ Carabao Cup matches but hasn’t been able to break into Slot’s Premier League plans, leaving the 18-year-old in limbo between academy and first team.
His latest outing came as Liverpool U19s were beaten 4-0 at home to Real Madrid, a match in which Nyoni gave the ball away in dangerous areas on a couple of occasions.
Coach Page said: “I think that’s a fair assessment (that he wasn’t at his best against Madrid). I think Trey would probably agree with that.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, October 29, 2025: Liverpool's Trey Nyoni challis challenged by Crystal Palace's Will Hughes during the Football League Cup 4th Round match between Liverpool FC and Crystal Palace FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“He’s in a difficult space right now and it’s about keeping him confident, managing his expectations of his involvement with the first team, but it is a difficult space for those young players.”
Captaining the under-19s against Madrid, Nyoni dropped down from the first team with whom he trains to feature at the academy.
It has become a common sight this season in order to give the England youth international game time – he has played all four of Liverpool’s UEFA Youth League matches.
“He’s still a young lad don’t forget,” added former Wales boss Page.
“He’s had involvement with the first team from an early age and [the challenge] is managing his minutes, it’s giving him game time but it’s maintaining the standards that he sets as well.
“And I think if you ask him, he’s probably fallen a little bit below that today for whatever reason, but we’ll get him back on track and there’s a talented, talented footballer in there.”
Nyoni joined from Leicester as a 16-year-old and quickly caught the eye of Jurgen Klopp, the German awarding the youngster his debut from the bench in the Reds’ 3-0 FA Cup win over Southampton, memorable for goals from Lewis Koumas and Jayden Danns.
That 12-minute appearance places him fourth on the list of Liverpool’s youngest-ever players.
A technically gifted prospect, Nyoni has transitioned from a left winger into a graceful midfielder who can be trusted on the ball.
While his lack of consistent minutes may be hampering his progress currently, there is no doubting Nyoni’s potential as a player.