Who is Liverpool ace Trey Nyoni? Age, best position, nationality and Arne Slot verdict

Liverpool will play host to West Ham United this evening with Arne Slot expected to field a young side. However, one player in particular will attract the interest of fans.

The 17-year-old has been touted as a promising prospect in recent months after impressing during Slot’s first pre-season as Liverpool boss. The youngster scored an impressive volley in a pre-season friendly against Sevilla in August and he could appear once again against the Hammers this evening.

And with tonight's game in mind, the ECHO has taken a closer look at all the information you need to know about the potential star in Liverpool's ranks.

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Who is Trey Nyoni?

The player was born on June 30, 2007 in Leicester. He joined the Foxes youth setup in 2013 and quickly began playing above his age at 15, appearing for Leicester’s Under-18s while still in school.

When did Trey Nyoni join Liverpool?

In 2023, Nyoni left Leicester for Liverpool after spending a decade at the Foxes, but the two clubs could not agree on a fee. A tribunal was called.

Early in his Liverpool tenure, he scored the winning goal in the Under-18s Merseyside Derby against Everton, a feat supporters will be hoping he can replicate at senior level one day.

Has Trey Nyoni played for Liverpool?

As of October 2023, it was reported he was training with the first team after impressing Jurgen Klopp. A month later, he made his debut for Liverpool Under-21s. He soon made the step up to the senior level; he was included in a Premier League squad for a 3-0 victory over Brentford in the same month but was an unused substitute on that occasion.

In February 2024, Nyoni made his first team debut against Southampton in the FA Cup, helping the Reds to a 3-0 win. His substitute appearance made him Liverpool’s youngest ever player to feature in a competitive match at 16 years and 243 days.

What position does Trey Nyoni play?

Although he played as a traditional central midfielder early in his youth career, Nyoni’s pace, skill, and eye for goal saw him move toward the final third of the pitch, and he is now considered an attacking midfielder or a 'number 10'.

What has Jurgen Klopp said about Trey Nyoni?

Klopp gave the player his debut, and after his first game for the Reds, the ex-Liverpool boss compared him to 17-year-old darts sensation Luke Littler. He said: “It is a little bit like the new darts sensation, it is fine for tonight.

"Tomorrow, leave the boys in the corner. Everyone who is with us, we should have our moments, they will have more moments than we expect."

What has Arne Slot said about Trey Nyoni?

Speaking in his press conference on Tuesday, Slot was quick to praise the starlet. He said: "So he is a talent, but only being a talent is not enough to play on a regular basis.

He needs playing time to develop, and that's why sometimes you feel you might need him, but you need him to play games. Training with the players we have helps him to develop. We have taken good care of him, but he has already showed some good signs."

Has Trey Nyoni played for England?

The 17-year-old has represented the Young Lions at Under-16 level, scoring on his debut, plus appearing for the Under-17s and Under-18s, but he could also play for Zimbabwe through his parents' heritage.