Trey Nyoni forced Andoni Iraola into serious thought on Tuesday night as Liverpool eased past Tottenham 3-1 in the Carabao Cup.
Goals from Dominik Szoboszlai, Cody Gakpo and Alexis Mac Allister sealed the result at Anfield, even with heavy rotation. The standout performer in midfield, however, was the 19-year-old Nyoni. He formed the strongest pivot of the night alongside Mac Allister before Ryan Gravenberch and Szoboszlai were introduced after the break.
The eye test versus the numbers
We are usually big fans of the data. Last night showed why it cannot be trusted blindly.
FotMob rated Gravenberch 6.9 and Nyoni 7.4 — a gap of just 0.5. The raw numbers look closer still:
Ryan Gravenberch (28 minutes)
- 11/11 passes
- 1 chance created
- 7 defensive actions
- Dispossessed twice
- 3/5 ground duels
- 2 interceptions, 3 recoveries
Trey Nyoni (62 minutes)
- 37/39 passes
- 0 chances created
- 6 defensive actions
- Dispossessed once
- 3/4 ground duels
- 1 interception, 6 recoveries
On paper the difference is modest. On the pitch it was night and day.
Our scores:
Ryan Gravenberch: 4/10
Trey Nyoni: 8.5/10
What changed when Gravenberch came on
No one disputes that Gravenberch is a high-level Premier League midfielder on his day. Liverpool suddenly looked fragile once he joined Szoboszlai in the second half.
Several clear moments explained why. Where Nyoni was measured and secure, Gravenberch looked hesitant and uncertain.
- Simple one-touch options were ignored in favour of an extra touch and a dribble that invited pressure.
- Possession was lost in dangerous areas when a straightforward pass was available.
- The old strength — receiving with his back to goal, spinning and driving — is currently missing. One sequence just outside Liverpool’s half ended with the ball turned over and Spurs countering.
Nyoni showed none of those habits. He knew when to sit and allow Mac Allister to push higher, when to step in, and when to keep it simple. There was no wastefulness.
Caution still required
It is early. Nyoni is 19 and has played only 81 minutes across all competitions this season. Liverpool cannot throw him into every game and expect consistency.
Iraola must manage the minutes carefully. Gravenberch remains a valuable squad player. But after a display like this, Nyoni has earned the right to more opportunities. The midfield looked more coherent and secure with him in it.
Thank goodness Liverpool kept him in the summer.
