Liverpool could save themselves a fortune in the transfer market if Emile Heskey is right about Trey Nyoni.
With Manchester City reportedly spending around £155m on Elliot Anderson and Tottenham committing approximately £133m to Sandro Tonali, the cost of recruiting a top-quality midfielder is becoming frightening.
But Heskey believes Liverpool might already have the answer to their long-standing No.6 problem sitting in their own dressing room.
And I have to say, there is certainly an argument worth listening to.
Nyoni could unlock Mac Allister and Gravenberch
Heskey’s argument isn’t simply about saving £100m. It’s about getting the best out of the midfielders Liverpool already have.
He believes Nyoni can occupy the deeper position, allowing Alexis Mac Allister and Ryan Gravenberch to operate further forward.
His reasoning is that both players could then use their energy more aggressively, helping Nyoni defensively while contributing more in the attacking areas.
I have been saying for some time that Liverpool need a better-balanced midfield.
Gravenberch has been used in the holding role, but I don’t believe that is necessarily where you get the best out of him. He is much more suited to carrying the ball, driving forward and influencing games further up the pitch.
Mac Allister also has the technical quality and intelligence to contribute higher up the field.
The problem has been finding somebody capable of giving them the freedom to do that.
Could Nyoni be that player?
What makes Nyoni different?
One of the most encouraging aspects of Nyoni’s game is his willingness to play forward.
Liverpool have been criticised for moving the ball too slowly, playing too many sideways passes and failing to provide their forwards with enough quality service.
Nyoni offers something different.
He is comfortable receiving possession under pressure, moving the ball quickly and attempting passes that break opposition lines.
Heskey acknowledges that the youngster is still slight physically and isn’t yet a natural ball-winner. That is an important limitation, particularly in a position where defensive responsibility is enormous.
But he also recognises that Nyoni has qualities Liverpool have been missing.
He doesn’t need to be a finished product at 19. He needs to keep developing, improve his defensive awareness and learn how to control games from that position.
The ability to progress possession is already there.
We must not make the same mistake as Bajcetic
This is where I would urge a little caution.
Liverpool supporters are understandably excited about Nyoni, but we have been here before with Stefan Bajcetic.
He burst onto the scene, looked like he could become an important part of Liverpool’s midfield and was suddenly being asked to shoulder enormous responsibility at a young age.
His subsequent injury problems were a reminder of how quickly things can change.
Nyoni is only 19. We cannot expect him to play every week, carry the midfield and solve a problem that Liverpool have failed to address properly in the transfer market.
There is a difference between giving a youngster opportunities and making him responsible for fixing the entire team.
I want to see Nyoni playing regularly, but I also want Liverpool to protect his development.
Liverpool still need to consider the transfer market
Heskey’s suggestion shouldn’t automatically mean Liverpool abandon their search for a midfielder.
I would love Nyoni to establish himself as the long-term answer, but Liverpool still need options and competition.
If he becomes the player Heskey believes he can be, that is fantastic news for the club. It would allow Mac Allister and Gravenberch to play in more suitable positions and potentially save Liverpool an enormous transfer fee.
But we need to be realistic about the defensive side of his game.
Liverpool have been crying out for a midfielder who can protect the defence, win duels, cover ground and help the team control the middle of the pitch.
Nyoni has some of the qualities needed to develop into that player, but he is not the finished article yet.
The club must decide whether they believe he can grow into the role with the right support or whether an experienced signing is still required.
My verdict: Give Nyoni the opportunity, but don’t put the weight of the world on his shoulders
I like Heskey’s thinking.
Liverpool have spent extraordinary amounts of money on attacking talent, including Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz and Bradley Barcola, yet the balance of the midfield remains a major talking point.
If Nyoni can become the player who allows Mac Allister and Gravenberch to play further forward, it could transform the way Liverpool operate.
But I would still like to see another quality midfielder brought in. Not necessarily for a ridiculous fee, but somebody with the physicality, defensive awareness and experience to give Iraola another option.
Nyoni could be a huge part of Liverpool’s future. We shouldn’t block his pathway by spending money unnecessarily, but neither should we gamble his development by expecting too much too soon.
The best outcome would be Nyoni establishing himself as Liverpool’s long-term No.6, with an experienced midfielder helping him get there.
Saving £100m would be brilliant. Building a midfield that finally works would be even better.
By Jamie (The Kopite View)
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