Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Trey Nyoni has been busy enhancing his already burgeoning reputation during the early part of the season, impressing when given the chance by Andoni Iraola.
Nyoni most recently featured for the final 20 minutes of Liverpool‘s win over Bournemouth last weekend, coming on to help the Reds see out an important win on the South Coast.
That followed on from a superb Carabao Cup performance against Tottenham in midweek, in which the youngster really clicked alongside Alexis Mac Allister. There have been signs that Nyoni could be the No. 6 Liverpool have been crying out for in recent years, and according to the 19-year-old, that is exactly how Iraola sees him.
Iraola sees Nyoni as being a defensive midfielder
Nyoni is definitely not your Fabinho-type ‘destroyer’ defensive midfielder, but for this version of Liverpool, he clearly has the kind of profile needed. Comfortable on the ball but diligent off it, there is a reason Reds fans have been desperate to see more of him.
Nyoni himself seems to be enjoying the change of direction under Iraola as well, telling Liverpoolfc.com that it suits his style of football.
“I’d say [Iraola’s system suits him] because it’s just forward-thinking,” he said. “As soon as you get the ball, it’s just play forward. I think even the press as well is aggressive. He’s big on the press and I think the best way to attack is starting with the press, which is important. Everything out of possession is important, so yeah, I’d say this suits me.”
The former Leicester starlet went on to say that while he is happy playing anywhere he is asked, he believes that Iraola sees him as more of a defensive midfielder.
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“At the minute I’ve been playing as a six, so I assume that’s the role that he probably sees me playing the most,” he said.
“I’m still willing to learn to play as the eight or wherever, but right now I’d probably say primarily a six.”
Liverpool fans were angry not to see the club target a natural No. 6 during the summer transfer window, but it is becoming clear that Iraola believes he has the right player in Nyoni. Now all he needs is more chances to prove that theory to be correct.