Arne Slot could now unleash 'special' Liverpool teenager after Harvey Elliott's injury - opinion
09/13/2024 02:45 PM
Harvey Elliott’s injury blow was the only dampener in what was an otherwise productive international break for several Liverpool players.
The attacking midfielder is set to be ruled out until late October after fracturing his foot during England U-21 training and is set for an unfortunate spell on the sidelines.
Elliott featured regularly under Jurgen Klopp last season, but the arrival of Arne Slot has seen him slip down the pecking order.
With Dominik Szoboszlai starting each of Liverpool’s three Premier League games under the Dutchman, Elliott has been reduced to substitute appearances this season and his injury lay-off couldn’t possibly come at a worse time.
The only silver lining for Liverpool is that it could open up a pathway into the first-team fray for young Trey Nyoni, who has already made a massive impression at the club.
And with games set to come thick and fast across all competitions, Slot might be tempted to fast-track his progression into the senior team.
Harvey Elliott’s injury could present golden opportunity to Trey Nyoni
Nyoni featured regularly in pre-season and even scored a fantastic goal in the 4-1 win against Sevilla at Anfield.
The 17-year-old is predominantly an attacking midfielder and is widely regarded as one of Liverpool’s best prospects across all age groups.
Nyoni signed for the club from Leicester City last season and made a combined 24 appearances for the Liverpool U-18s and U-21s, notching up six goals and an assist.
He even made his senior debut for the Reds last season as he played 12 minutes in the 3-0 FA Cup win against Southampton.
Liverpool are set to play 13 games across all competitions between now and the next international break and are already a bit short of numbers and quality in midfield.
With Elliott set to be out of action, Nyoni has the chance of a lifetime to make a massive impact for the first team.
And judging by Slot’s record when it comes to nurturing young players, he won’t be afraid to give the 17-year-old his chance to sign.
Jamie Carragher described Nyoni as a special talent after pre-season and it remains to be seen if he gets a chance to impress in the coming weeks.
When can Nyoni play for Liverpool realistically?
Liverpool have a UEFA Champions League clash against AC Milan sandwiched between two Premier League assignments against Nottingham Forest and Bournemouth, so Nyoni is unlikely to feature during this run.
Read More:John Barnes says £4m Liverpool player is going to explode under Arne Slot after watching training
However, the EFL Cup third-round clash against West Ham United at Anfield could be the perfect for the gifted midfielder to make his full debut for Liverpool as Slot would look to give the likes of Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister a much-needed breather.
Nyoni has looked at home playing alongside some of the best footballers on the planet and will have no problem playing on the grandest stage if he’s given the opportunity.
