I’ll be honest, I wouldn’t dismiss this idea at all.
It’s time for Trey Nyoni to make his first Premier League start ahead of Ryan Gravenberch.
That is the call Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Doyle has made ahead of this afternoon’s huge game against Manchester City, and while I can understand why some supporters might be nervous about throwing a teenager into a match of this magnitude, I can also see the argument.
Liverpool need energy. They need intensity. And they need midfielders who are prepared to get on the ball and make things happen.
Could Nyoni give Andoni Iraola something different?
I think it’s a question worth asking.
Why not give Nyoni his chance?
Nyoni has been knocking on the door for a while now.
He has already made his senior debut for Liverpool, became the club’s youngest-ever player in European competition and made his Premier League debut as a substitute last season. He’s also shown that he isn’t frightened of the occasion when given opportunities with the first team.
His performance in the Carabao Cup win over Tottenham was another reminder that there is a very promising midfielder in there.
I’m not suggesting one good cup performance means he should automatically start every big game. That would be unfair on the lad.
But sometimes you have to look at what a player can bring to the team rather than simply how old he is.
Nyoni looks comfortable receiving the ball, wants to get involved and has the confidence to play forward. Those are qualities Liverpool could certainly use against Manchester City.
Is Gravenberch doing enough to keep his place?
This is where the debate becomes interesting.
Ryan Gravenberch is a talented midfielder, and I’m certainly not writing him off. We know what he can do when he’s confident and playing well.
But I’ve been wondering for a while whether Liverpool are getting the best out of him.
There have been occasions when the midfield has looked short of energy and struggled to control games. Against a side like Manchester City, that can become a serious problem.
City are excellent at finding space between the lines, moving the ball quickly and forcing opponents to chase. If Liverpool allow them to dictate the tempo, it could be a long afternoon.
So if Iraola believes Nyoni can offer more intensity and sharper movement, I wouldn’t be against giving him the opportunity.
Reputation shouldn’t guarantee anybody a starting place.
Gravenberch has plenty of ability, but every Liverpool midfielder should have to earn his place through performances.
Manchester City is a huge test
Of course, there is a reason why this decision wouldn’t be straightforward.
Starting against City at Anfield is very different from coming off the bench or playing in a cup tie.
Nyoni would be facing experienced players who are capable of punishing even the smallest mistake. Iraola would need to be confident that the teenager understands his defensive responsibilities and can cope with the physical demands of the game.
There is also a balance to consider. Liverpool cannot simply throw young players into the team because supporters want to see something different.
But nor should they hold them back indefinitely.
If Nyoni is good enough in training and Iraola believes he is ready, age shouldn’t automatically count against him.
And imagine what a start against City could do for his confidence if he handled it well.
I wouldn’t expect him to be the answer to everything
This is important because I don’t want Liverpool supporters putting unnecessary pressure on Nyoni.
He is still developing. He will make mistakes, and there will be games when he struggles. That’s part of becoming a first-team player.
But I would rather see Liverpool give a promising youngster a genuine opportunity when his performances justify it than wait until there is no alternative.
Nyoni doesn’t need to be a superstar this afternoon.
He needs to do the simple things well, show for the ball, work hard without possession and play with the confidence that has brought him this far.
If he can do that, he could give Liverpool a useful option in midfield.
And even if Iraola decides the bench is the right place for him today, I hope Nyoni continues to get meaningful minutes this season.
So, would I start him?
I can see the argument for it.
I wouldn’t make the decision purely to drop Gravenberch, and I wouldn’t pick Nyoni simply because he’s the exciting young option.
But if his training performances have been strong and Iraola believes he can handle the occasion, why not?
Liverpool need their midfield to compete with City, not spend the afternoon chasing shadows.
Nyoni has earned the right to be part of the conversation. Now it’s up to the manager to decide whether this is the right moment.
For me, the most important thing is that Liverpool pick the midfield they believe gives them the best chance of winning — regardless of age or reputation.
Would you start Trey Nyoni ahead of Ryan Gravenberch against Manchester City, Reds?
I’d love to see him get a proper opportunity. And if Iraola thinks he’s ready for this one, I wouldn’t be afraid to back the teenager.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
### _Related_