Trey Nyoni believes his long-term Liverpool position is as a number six, and he says Andoni Iraola’s system suits the way he plays. The 20-year-old midfielder has told the club’s matchday programme that his future at Anfield looks set to run through central midfield rather than further forward. That gives a clear answer to the Trey Nyoni Liverpool position question that has followed him since his first minutes under Iraola.
Trey Nyoni sees primary Liverpool role as number six under Andoni Iraola
“At the minute I’ve been playing as a six, so I assume that’s the role that he (Iraola) probably sees me playing the most,” Nyoni said. He added: “I’m still willing to learn to play as the eight or wherever, but right now I’d probably say primarily a six.”
Nyoni is not ruling out other roles further forward. He is simply describing where Iraola has used him so far and where he expects to keep playing.
Matchday programme interview details Nyoni development and press suitability
Nyoni used the same interview to explain how much he has grown since joining first team training. “I’ve developed a lot. I’ve been with the first team, training, I’ve had a little exposure here and there, which is valuable,” he said. “Obviously now it’s just about trying to build on that and see where I can fit in the team.”
He also set out why Iraola’s approach fits his game so well. “I’d say (Iraola’s style suits me) because it’s just forward-thinking. As soon as you get the ball, it’s just play forward,” Nyoni said. He pointed to the head coach’s demands out of possession too. “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.” He summed it up simply: “Everything out of possession is important, so yeah, I’d say this suits me.”
Extracts from the interview were carried in a Liverpool Echo report, which relayed the comments beyond the programme’s own pages. Iraola has already spoken warmly about the club’s emerging talent, and he praised several key players in similar terms earlier this season.
Increased Premier League minutes highlight Nyoni role in Iraola squad
The numbers back up his own account of progress. Nyoni has made four appearances for Liverpool this season, including a start in the Carabao Cup win over Tottenham Hotspur. In the Premier League he has played 38 minutes, already more than the 21 minutes he managed across the whole of the 2024/25 season under Arne Slot.
Iraola turned to him again in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Bournemouth, sending him on in the 71st minute in place of Ryan Gravenberch. That change came at a stage when the head coach wanted control in midfield, as described in our report on the Bournemouth win.
Nyoni knows those minutes still have to be earned. “For sure it’s about minutes, but minutes when it’s right. I know it’s not going to be easy because obviously there’s a lot of senior players in the midfield that are also really, really good players, but they can also help me a lot,” he said.
Midfield competition ahead as Liverpool continue domestic campaign
Liverpool’s midfield options run deep, and Nyoni knows he is competing with established senior players for a regular place. He sounds relaxed about waiting his turn. “So, I understand that and I’m just trying to make sure that I’m ready whenever I’m needed,” he said.
For now, the Trey Nyoni Liverpool position debate has a clear answer from the player himself. He sees his future as a six under Iraola, he accepts the competition he faces, and he is banking the minutes he gets for whenever the head coach turns to him next.
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