Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola applauds fans after the match
Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola applauds fans after the match
Liverpool needn't consider forking out a hefty fee for Alex Scott because the ideal Curtis Jones replacement is staring Andoni Iraola right in the face.
Iraola has made a somewhat difficult start to his Anfield reign, held to a 2-2 draw by Newcastle United in this season's opener. His side then came from behind twice to earn a point with the same scoreline against Nottingham Forest today.
Dan Ndoye gave Forest a first-half lead before Alexander Isak equalised on the hour mark. The visitors went back in front through a Morgan Gibbs-White penalty, but Victor Munoz's superb strike rescued the Reds.
Iraola will be concerned about what he saw from his midfield, and Alexis Mac Allister continues to struggle following a disappointing past season. The Argentine came off for Trey Nyoni in the second half, and the English teenager put in a promising display that might just earn him more minutes moving forward.
Liverpool 2-2 Forest: Nyoni is Ready For The Jones Role
Liverpool's Trey Nyoni reacts after the match
Liverpool's Trey Nyoni reacts after the match
Nyoni came on in the 77th minute and caught the eye with his positioning and energy in the middle of the park. He completed 18 of 20 attempted passes, won two of three ground duels, made two tackles, and one interception.
There are big hopes for the 19-year-old, who has risen through the club's youth ranks after joining their academy from Leicester City back in 2023. He certainly has a fan in Liverpool reporter James Pearce, who pointed out his impact:
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Trey Nyoni vs Nottingham Forest
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Nyoni made his 21st appearance for the senior team and, given Mac Allister's underwhelming performances, is surely kicking on the door for a starting role. Should Iraola put his trust in the Leicester-born teenage prospect, it could prevent the club from paying a significant fee for Scott.
The Bournemouth midfielder has emerged as a late target for the Merseysiders, but the Cherries are reportedly valuing him at £90 million. Having just paid an initial £106m to Paris Saint-Germain for Bradley Barcola, it seems unlikely the Reds will be keen to spend a similar amount on the Englishman.
Patience is Key For Nyoni and Midfield Signing
Liverpool's Trey Nyoni arrives at the stadium ahead of the match
Liverpool's Trey Nyoni arrives at the stadium ahead of the match
Replacing Jones is on the Anfield bosses' agenda following his £30m move to Inter Milan. While the English midfielder wasn't always a starter at Anfield, he proved to be a real asset under Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot.
Nyoni is by no means the finished article, and there are areas where he can improve, including his physicality. But his defensive abilities are hard to ignore, and he could become Iraola's new pet project, much like Scott was at Bournemouth.
Iraola sang his praises during pre-season, highlighting his confidence, which he called 'very valuable'. He said: "He is 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 has one opponent quite close, he asks for that ball and he’s confident, he doesn’t rush. For me, that is very valuable.
Andoni Iraola
Andoni Iraola
Liverpool should look to wait and see how the market looks next summer rather than make a last-ditch move for the likes of Scott or Crystal Palace's Adam Wharton. If they were to sign a Jones replacement now, it could stunt Nyoni's development, which the new manager looks to have a plan.