By Tichaona Katsvamutima
Liverpool midfielder Trey Nyoni, who was born in England to Zimbabwean parents, has revealed that he currently sees himself primarily as a No. 6, as new manager Andoni Iraola continues to develop the teenager’s role in the first team.
According to This Is Anfield, Nyoni, 19, has already featured in four of Liverpool’s first seven matches under Iraola and has accumulated 100 minutes of playing time this season.
The youngster was limited to 237 minutes last season, but his opportunities have increased under Iraola, who has shown a willingness to give young players greater responsibility.
Nyoni said he was comfortable operating as the deepest midfielder but remained open to playing in other positions across the middle of the park.
“At the minute I’ve been playing as a six, so I assume that’s the role that he (Iraola) probably sees me playing the most,” Nyoni told This Is Anfield.
“I’m still willing to learn to play as the eight or wherever, but right now I’d probably say primarily a six.”
Nyoni’s emergence has added another option to Liverpool’s midfield, with the teenager earning praise for his composure and discipline when operating in the deeper role.
The former Leicester City academy player also acknowledged that competition for places at Liverpool remains fierce, with several experienced midfielders ahead of him.
“I know it’s not going to be easy because obviously there’s a lot of senior players in the midfield that are also really, really good players, but they can also help me a lot,” he said.
Nyoni added that his immediate objective was to make the most of every opportunity that comes his way.
“So, I understand that, and I’m just trying to make sure that I’m ready whenever I’m needed.”
According to This Is Anfield, Nyoni’s development has been one of the early talking points of Iraola’s tenure, with the teenager having impressed during pre-season and subsequently becoming part of the first-team setup.
The Zimbabwean-born midfielder also started Liverpool’s 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.
