LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Trey Nyoni during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Saturday, August 8, 2026: Liverpool's Trey Nyoni during a pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco FC at Anfield. Monaco won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge says the faith shown in Trey Nyoni is fully deserved, as his stock continues to rise.
The Reds may have been beaten 1-0 at home to Arsenal on Sunday, but there was still plenty to feel positive about.
Nyoni produced an accomplished performance at the heart of the midfield, and his second-half withdrawal coincided with Liverpool losing control of the match.
Speaking on Sky Sports before the game, Sturridge heaped praise on the midfielder, saying his selection over Ryan Gravenberch was merited.
“I think Trey [Nyonoi] has been really good so far this season,” Sturridge said.
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 1, 2026: Liverpool's Trey Nyoni is greeted by head coach Andoni Iraola (L) as he is substituted off during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, November 1, 2026: Liverpool's Trey Nyoni is greeted by head coach Andoni Iraola (L) as he is substituted off during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Arsenal FC at Anfield. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
“He looks so comfortable in possession and is not shy to drop in between the defence, pick it up and pick passes in between the lines.
“He’s intercepting passes as well at a high clip. I think when we’re talking about the player, he’s earned it, so it’s well deserved.
“(Ryan) Gravenberch hasn’t been at his best – we know he’s a top player, won Young Player of the Year only two seasons ago, and a Premier League winner.
“From my side of things, I think the manager’s arguably made the right call. Gravenberch isn’t in the best moment.
“I believe he can come back to his best, make no mistake about that, and I think it’s very positive going forward.”
Should Trey Nyoni have been substituted for Liverpool vs. Arsenal?
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, October 24, 2026: Liverpool's Trey Nyoni during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Sunday, October 24, 2026: Liverpool's Trey Nyoni during the FA Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brighton & Hove Albion FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 2-0. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
Nyoni can feel proud of his efforts against Arsenal, more than holding his own up against an experienced midfield of Declan Rice, Bruno Guimaraes and Martin Odegaard.
The 19-year-old completed 96 per cent of his passes (54/56), per FotMob, and also made six defensive contributions overall, complementing Alexis Mac Allister and Florian Wirtz well.
As mentioned, Liverpool didn’t look the same team when Dominik Szoboszlai replaced Nyoni, with the Hungarian possessing explosive talent, but lacking midfield discipline.
Nyoni deserves to keep his place in the Reds’ starting lineup moving forward, with Szoboszlai replacing Wirtz in the No. 10 role, if anyone.
Sturridge is correct in saying Nyoni is the better option than Gravenberch currently, and it is refreshing to see Andoni Iraola advocating youth.
The defeat to Arsenal was a frustrating one, but there was enough to suggest that the future is bright, not least when it comes to Nyoni.
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Football – UEFA Champions League – Liverpool FC v Villarreal CF
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Tuesday, October 20, 2026: Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister rubs the hair on his head celebrates after scoring his side's third goal during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Liverpool FC and Villarreal CF at Anfield. Liverpool won 4-3. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)