Who is Liverpool youth star Trey Nyoni?

Pre-season friendlies can be monotonous and challenging, but there is always a silver lining.

For Liverpool fans this year, there’s the chance to get a first look at Arne Slot’s tactical set-up as the Dutch boss takes over from Jurgen Klopp in the dugout. But of course, there’s also the opportunity to see some of the club’s brightest academy stars in action.

There are plenty of them at Anfield, but one who caught the eye was 17-year-old Trey Nyoni. The midfielder was exceptional during Liverpool’s recent 1-0 friendly win over Real Betis in the United States, with fans rising to their feet and taking notice of the talented teenager.

But who is Trey Nyoni and why should Liverpool fans be excited about the teenager?

Who is Trey Nyoni?

Nyoni may already be marked out as a superstar in the making on Merseyside, but he has only been on Liverpool’s books for a year. The youngster signed for the Reds having risen through the ranks from his hometown club Leicester City, joining the six-time European champions in 2023.

Liverpool have signed a number of youngsters from English clubs in recent years, but Nyoni has quickly established himself as a gem within the academy structure. Jurgen Klopp has taken a liking to the midfielder and he has trained extensively with the Reds’ first-team squad during the 2023/24 season.

Nyoni was 16 when he made his debut for Liverpool’s first team. Having been an unused substitute during last season’s Carabao Cup final victory over Chelsea, he pulled on a red shirt for the first time shortly after against Southampton in the FA Cup.

Part of a convincing 3-0 win for a young Liverpool side, Nyoni made just a cameo appearance off the bench but immediately got the fans buzzing with a confident display.

How did Trey Nyoni do in the youth ranks?

Nyoni has been a regular for Liverpool’s under-18s and under-21s, shining when given the opportunity. Last season, he scored three times and provided one assist in eight appearances for the under-18s, and managed a further two goals in 15 appearances for the under-21s. Remember, he only turned 17 last month.

At Leicester, it has been a similar success story. He has made numerous Premier League under-18 appearances for the Foxes, registering another two goals and an assist in 13 appearances during the 2022/23 season. He has already shown his ability to be a creative force in the final third.

Nyoni has also represented England at youth level, most recently playing for the under-18s. He made his debut in March 2024 and has made three further appearances for the Three Lions juniors. His rise through the age groups could be rapid.

What are Trey Nyoni’s strengths and weaknesses?

Given his age, Nyoni can develop in any position he chooses in midfield, but he most often operates as a box-to-box number eight. However, the teenager has played in a more advanced role as an attacking midfielder, or even occasionally as a winger.

Nyoni has remarkably impressive technical attributes for such a young player. With a keen eye for a pass and a goal, he dazzles with his bravery on the ball and ability to advance from deeper positions.

Against Real Betis, Nyoni often picked up the ball in his own half, either advancing in possession or playing a quick pass between the lines to his attacking midfielders. He refused to play it safe, which is always tempting for youngsters looking to avoid making mistakes early in their careers.

Speaking about Nyoni after the match, Slot was visibly impressed. The 45-year-old admitted: “Trey did well, he was involved in the goal with a pass between the lines and he was involved in our biggest chance in the second half.

“But he has just turned 17 and his body still needs to grow. We are very careful with him. He doesn’t participate in every session. You can see his quality. He needs some time to grow and play at Premier League level, but he is an interesting player.”

Slot has also identified his biggest weakness at the moment. A slender build means Nyoni is not a particularly imposing physical presence, which in the cutthroat world of senior football – especially in midfield – is a problem. However, he has plenty of time to develop, both physically and technically.

Trey Nyoni vs Real Betis Stats

Nyoni played just 41 minutes against Real Betis after coming on for Curtis Jones in the first half following the 23-year-old’s injury, but only four Liverpool players had more touches of the ball than him (52) – all of them defenders.

The midfielder completed 42 of his 46 passes (91%) and topped the rankings for passes into the final third (8). His willingness to play the ball forward and his composure to pick out the right team-mate made it difficult for Real Betis to keep Liverpool in their own half. He was not dispossessed once during an encouraging display.

As Slot mentioned after the game, Nyoni was also instrumental in setting up Liverpool’s winning goal. Sliding the ball to Dominik Szoboszlai with a clever pass, the Hungarian quickly played a one-two with Mohamed Salah before slotting the ball into the bottom corner.

Liverpool fans will be desperate to see more of him in upcoming friendlies against Arsenal, Manchester United and Sevilla.