Tyler Morton has a new lease on life following his summer switch to Lyon, and he has declared he found his “love for football again” after lacking trust from Arne Slot.
Morton joined Liverpool at the age of five but moved on last summer in a deal worth £15 million after only five appearances in Slot’s first season at the helm.
“I think he (Slot) thought I was a good player, but I don’t feel the trust was there as much. In my opinion, the limited opportunities were down to trust and not ability,” Morton reflected last year.
Opportunities have not been in short supply at Lyon, however, with Morton establishing himself as a key cog in midfield, playing 38 of Lyon’s 42 games.
Speaking to the BBC about his move to France, Morton heaped praise on his new manager Paulo Fonseca for helping him ‘discover things’ he didn’t know were in his arsenal.
“The manager has given me the reins to play my football, and I’m loving it,” the 23-year-old said.
“There’s no better position than number six, getting on the ball constantly, finding passes between the lines and using my brain to dictate games.
“Paulo Fonseca’s an incredible manager. He’s helped me so much. I’ve discovered things I didn’t even know I had as a footballer.”
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - Wednesday, September 25, 2024: Liverpool's head coach Arne Slot speaks to substitute Tyler Morton during the Football League Cup 3rd Round match between Liverpool FC and West Ham United FC at Anfield. Liverpool won 5-1. (Photo by Ryan Brown/Propaganda)
It is a stark contrast to his reflection on his last season with his boyhood club, when he felt he did “everything” to be in a position to play but was handed just 261 senior minutes.
“I was so hungry to play again and find my love for football again,” Morton explained. “It’s really difficult when you don’t play. It’s so tough. You don’t get to show everyone how good you are.
“I’d never been more hungry to play football in my life.”
That determination is evident, and he quickly endeared himself to the supporters of his club, with two goals and three assists to go along with his steady presence in the No. 6 role.
Lyon are only two points adrift of an automatic Champions League spot for next season and Morton is set on confirming their place to mark a stunning turnaround following their relegation battles.
“I’ve always aspired to play at the best level,” he said. “Having a taste of the Champions League at Liverpool is the best thing that’s happened in my career. It’s the top of the top.
“It would be amazing to do it again with Lyon. They’ve given me this opportunity so I’ll give everything for the club and fight until the end.”
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