Trey Nyoni is the answer to Liverpool's midfield problem, his eye-catching stats show why
Trey Nyoni's impressive performance against Tottenham has proven that he deserves more starts in Premier League games for Liverpool this season.
Liverpool progressed to the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night with a 3-1 win over Spurs at Anfield.
Alexis Mac Allister, Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai scored for the hosts, with Conor Gallagher pulling a goal back in the second half to make it 2-1.
Andoni Iraola rotated his side as 19-year-old midfielder Nyoni was handed his first competitive start of the season alongside Mac Allister and James McConnell.
The Reds youngster was hugely impressive both on and off the ball as he proved his quality against perceived top Premier League opposition.
Nyoni deserves more chances to shine for Liverpool in the coming weeks and months, particularly as Iraola struggles to land on his ideal starting midfield.
Trey Nyoni made a real impression against Tottenham after midfield issues
Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch each struggled for form last season, and are both taking time to grow into this campaign under a new manager.
Szoboszlai has come up with the goods on many occasions for the Reds over the last 12 months, but his all-round performances have also been criticised by fans and pundits.
There is a real opportunity for Nyoni to fully break into the Liverpool team this season, and he did his chances no harm on Tuesday night.
The 19-year-old's composure gave the Reds a real foothold in midfield, as he made the most tackles of any player (3), misplaced just two passes (37/39) and won four of five attempted duels in his 62 minutes on the pitch.
Nyoni also made six ball recoveries, with Iraola praising him after the game as he said: "I think on the ball and without the ball, he gives us energy. I think when we have this kind of intensity, we are a better team.”
The 19-year-old has surely put himself in the frame to appear more regularly in bigger games for Liverpool, and could well be the long-term answer to their midfield woes.
Nyoni needs to impress as Liverpool line up Lamine Camara deal
Nyoni has clearly made an impression on Iraola, but the Reds are continuing to look for outside improvements to solve their issues in the middle of the park.
Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Liverpool remain keen on signing Camara and could accelerate a move ahead of the January window.
Nyoni needs to work hard to prove that they do not need a new signing to improve Iraola's options in the next few months, given their similar age and profile.