Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers
Trey Nyoni is making a case to be a regular starter at Liverpool under new head coach Andoni Iraola after impressing during the Reds' pre-season friendlies to date.
The 19-year-old first broke into the first-team at Anfield two years ago, when Jurgen Klopp was still in charge. Despite showing promise early in Slot's reign at the club, Nyoni remained firmly out of contention last season, or so it seemed.
Andoni Iraola Liverpool 2026
Andoni Iraola Liverpool 2026
Questions are now being asked about why the teenager wasn't given more game time in the 2025-26 season, considering how poor Liverpool's midfield was at times. Now, a report has given the reasoning behind Slot leaving him out more often than not.
Trey Nyoni Impresses During Liverpool's Pre-Season
REUTERS/Phil Noble via Action Images
Iraola is looking to get Liverpool back to competing for the league title, but has been vocal about the need for reinforcements in the transfer market. However, the need for a new midfielder appears to be decreasing with every pre-season minute Nyoni plays.
Last night's 4-2 defeat to Leeds United was perhaps the biggest indication that the youngster has moved ahead of Curtis Jones in the pecking order. He started alongside Dominik Szoboszlai and helped Liverpool race into a two-goal lead with his controlling style and impressive passing ability.
He was withdrawn at half-time, and suddenly, the Reds' midfield fell apart and they conceded four second-half goals. That can't all be attributed to Nyoni's absence, but the English giants did appear to have much less control of the ball when he went off.
In his 45-minute cameo, Nyoni completed 40 out of his attempted 42 passes (95%). One of those came in the build-up to Florian Wirtz's goal. He only lost the ball four times in total, despite having more touches (51) than most players on the pitch in the first-half.
Arne Slot's Private Feelings About Nyoni at Liverpool
Arne Slot looks on during a Liverpool match
The more Nyoni impresses, the more fans will question Slot's decision to only hand him 237 senior minutes in all competitions last term. However, David Lynch has reported that the Dutchman privately suggested the young midfielder was ready for a breakthrough.
His physical improvement was key to that feeling. But Liverpool's poor season, which forced them to fight until the very last game to secure Champions League football, meant opportunities for the unknown were limited.
Slot reportedly wasn't sure if the teenage star had the temperament to be thrust into such a high-pressure situation at Anfield. Nyoni, as a result, made six Premier League appearances, totalling 21 minutes. Expect to see a lot more of him this season if he continues on his current trajectory.
Statistics in this article are courtesy of Transfermarkt and SofaScore. Correct as of 03-08-26.