Trey Nyoni 'could be a real asset' to Liverpool as remarkable stats emerge from 4-2 win vs Sunderland

Liverpool kicked off their pre-season with a 4-2 win over Sunderland in Nashville on Saturday.

Kieran Morrison opened the scoring, before Enzo Le Fee's stunning strike from outside the box saw the first half end 1-1.

Trey Nyoni, 19, was among those introduced for a second half that saw Timur Tuterov's goal for the Black Cats responded to by goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Federico Chiesa and Lewis Koumas.

Nyoni will be among those looking to catch Andoni Iraola's eye in the coming weeks, with the new Liverpool manager known for utilising young players.

The England youth international made 14 appearances for the senior team under Arne Slot last season but will hope to play a larger role under the Spaniard.

Should he made available for loan, however, there will undoubtedly be a number of Championship clubs interested.

Trey Nyoni's superb stats vs Sunderland

Nyoni was with Leicester City's academy until 202023, spending 10 years with them before completing a move to Liverpool.

The Reds reportedly paid around £4.3million for the midfielder at a later tribunal, and that type of fee has aged very well.

The 19-year-old's talent was on full show against Sunderland on Saturday, in a signal to Iraola that he may be ready to play a significant part.

Much has been made of the gaps in Liverpool's squad, with their lack of a replacement for Ryan Gravenberch among them, but Nyoni could be a solution from within.

In 45 minutes on the pitch on Saturday, the teenager created three chances, more than anyone else, and completed seven passes into the final third.

He also completed more defensive contributions than anyone else - three tackles, a block, and interception and five recoveries. Nyoni won three of his four duels on the day.

What has been said about Nyoni's display

There has long been excitement surrounding Nyoni, and Liverpool made sure to tie him down when he signed a new deal last summer.

But this season could well be the one in which he makes his breakthrough and becomes a key player alongside Rio Ngumoha.

Paul Gorst, for the Liverpool Echo, gave Nyoni a seven out of 10 for his performance.

"Some really intelligent and purposeful use of the ball at times. Could be a real asset this season if a loan move isn't in his future", he wrote.