Trey Nyoni is only 19, but he is already making a serious impression at Liverpool – and Ryan Gravenberch and Dominik Szoboszlai may have to start looking over their shoulders.
The young midfielder has been taking his opportunities, showing maturity beyond his years and giving Andoni Iraola another option in the middle of the park.
And the biggest indication of how highly the manager currently rates him came against Arsenal.
Despite having more experienced midfielders available, Iraola handed Nyoni his first Premier League start, selecting him ahead of Gravenberch, while Szoboszlai was also fit enough to return to the matchday squad.
That was a bold decision, but it sent out an important message: nobody is guaranteed a place in this Liverpool midfield.
Nyoni is making it difficult for Iraola to leave him out
There is something exciting about watching Nyoni develop.
He looks comfortable receiving the ball, has the confidence to play forward and appears to understand when to keep things simple.
Those qualities are particularly important in a Liverpool midfield that has sometimes lacked control and consistency.
His performances have not gone unnoticed by Iraola, who has previously praised his maturity, tactical intelligence and understanding of the game.
The manager has also made it clear that Nyoni needs to keep performing if he wants to put pressure on the more established midfielders.
That is exactly what he appears to be doing.
At 19, he still has plenty to learn, but he is beginning to look like someone who deserves more than occasional substitute appearances.
Gravenberch can no longer take his place for granted
Ryan Gravenberch has plenty of ability, and I certainly wouldn’t write him off.
However, he has not always produced the consistent performances expected of him this season.
There have been occasions when Liverpool have needed greater discipline, defensive responsibility and control in midfield. Gravenberch has the physical and technical attributes to provide those qualities, but he needs to show them more regularly.
Nyoni’s emergence gives Iraola another option and increases the competition for places.
The Dutchman is still an important player, but his position should not be guaranteed simply because of his experience or reputation.
If Nyoni continues performing, the manager has every reason to keep rewarding him.
Szoboszlai must also fight for his place
Dominik Szoboszlai brings tremendous energy, work rate and quality to Liverpool.
He can cover enormous amounts of ground, press aggressively and contribute going forward. On his day, he is an important player for this team.
But there are different ways to build a midfield, and Iraola may want greater positional discipline and control depending on the opposition.
Nyoni has shown that he can offer those qualities.
That doesn’t mean the youngster is automatically a better player than Szoboszlai, or that the Hungarian should be dropped permanently. It means there is now genuine competition.
Szoboszlai will have to earn his place like everybody else.
Iraola is creating the competition Liverpool need
One thing I like about Iraola is his willingness to give younger players an opportunity.
Nyoni’s selection against Arsenal was a perfect example. He could easily have gone with experience, but instead he trusted a 19-year-old in a huge Premier League fixture.
That is the sort of decision that can help develop young players and improve the squad as a whole.
Liverpool cannot afford to have players becoming comfortable in the knowledge that they will start every week regardless of their performances.
Competition is healthy, and it should bring the best out of everyone.
The likes of Gravenberch and Szoboszlai have important roles to play, but Nyoni has shown that he deserves to be part of the conversation.
My verdict: Nyoni deserves more opportunities
I’m not suggesting Liverpool should suddenly build their entire midfield around a 19-year-old.
There is a difference between showing potential and consistently delivering at the highest level, and Nyoni still has plenty of development ahead of him.
But I don’t want to see him pushed back into the background just because more experienced players are available.
He has earned his opportunities through his performances, and Iraola should continue giving him chances.
Liverpool have been crying out for midfielders who can control games, make intelligent decisions and bring energy to the team. Nyoni is showing signs that he could become an important part of that solution.
Gravenberch and Szoboszlai are both talented players, but neither should be untouchable.
Trey Nyoni is knocking on the door, and I think Liverpool supporters should be excited about what he could become.
The biggest compliment the youngster can receive is that he is making selection decisions difficult for Iraola.
And long may that continue!
Jamie – (The Kopite View)
Nyoni is way better than Dom or Gravenberch