Could Trey Nyoni be moving ahead of Ryan Gravenberch in Andoni Iraola’s Liverpool midfield plans?
According to the latest reports, the answer is yes.
The 19-year-old’s reputation at Anfield continues to grow, with Iraola reportedly rating him ahead of Gravenberch when considering his midfield options.
Even more interestingly, the Dutchman is understood to be the lowest-ranked midfielder among those considered important to the squad, with a potential Liverpool departure in 2027 now being discussed as a genuine possibility.
That’s quite a change in circumstances for a player who was previously expected to be a major part of Liverpool’s midfield for years to come.
Nyoni Is Making His Mark Under Iraola
I’ve been impressed with Nyoni for some time, and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to argue against giving him more responsibility.
He’s still only 19, but there’s a maturity to his performances that stands out.
He looks comfortable receiving the ball under pressure, has the ability to play forward and doesn’t appear frightened of taking responsibility in possession.
What I particularly like is his discipline when playing in the deeper midfield role.
Liverpool have lacked balance in that area, and Nyoni has shown that he can offer something different.
Iraola deserves credit for trusting him rather than automatically favouring more experienced players.
The youngster’s standing has grown considerably, and there is now a genuine argument that he deserves to be considered one of Liverpool’s first-choice midfield options.
Gravenberch Has a Fight on His Hands
This is where things become interesting.
Gravenberch has plenty of ability. His ability to carry the ball, glide past opponents and drive Liverpool forward is something not every midfielder possesses.
But I’ve questioned whether he offers the defensive reliability Liverpool need in the middle of the park.
There are times when he gets caught in the wrong position, and the team can become exposed when possession is lost.
Under Iraola, those details matter.
If the manager believes Nyoni offers better discipline, positioning and balance, then Gravenberch will have to respond.
A big reputation and a long-term contract should never guarantee anybody a place in the starting eleven.
The reported possibility of a departure in 2027 is particularly interesting, although there is no confirmation that Liverpool have decided to sell him.
Mac Allister and Nyoni Could Be the Answer
I’ve previously said that Alexis Mac Allister and Trey Nyoni could be a better midfield partnership for Liverpool at the moment.
Mac Allister brings experience, intelligence and composure, while Nyoni offers energy, discipline and the willingness to move the ball forward.
That combination could give Florian Wirtz more freedom to operate in his natural No.10 position.
I still believe Liverpool need another midfielder, particularly someone with the physical presence and defensive qualities to protect the back four.
But Nyoni’s emergence could change how urgently the club need to spend in certain areas.
The important thing is not to put too much pressure on a teenager. He’s developing nicely, and Liverpool must allow him to continue doing that without expecting him to solve every midfield problem.
Could Gravenberch Leave Liverpool in 2027?
It would have seemed unlikely not so long ago, but football changes quickly.
Gravenberch was expected to be a central figure in Liverpool’s midfield rebuild. Now, if these reports are accurate, he could find himself fighting to protect his future at Anfield.
I wouldn’t rush to sell him because there is still a very talented footballer there.
However, Iraola must be allowed to make decisions based on performances and what is best for the team.
Nobody should be guaranteed a starting place simply because of their reputation or contract situation.
My verdict? I’d currently pick Nyoni and Mac Allister ahead of Gravenberch in the deeper midfield positions.
That’s not writing Gravenberch off, but Liverpool need a midfield that works as a unit rather than one built around individual reputations.
Nyoni is earning his opportunities, and if he continues developing at this rate, he could become one of the most important players in Iraola’s Liverpool team.
Perhaps the biggest surprise is that a 19-year-old academy graduate could be changing the future of a midfielder who was once considered untouchable.
By Jamie /(The Kopite View)
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