Liverpool fans think Arne Slot has just found 'the next Paul Pogba' after pre-season friendly against Real Betis
07/26/2024 09:30 PM
Liverpool supporters were given their first glimpse of life under Arne Slot during Saturday’s pre-season friendly against Real Betis.
It has been a patient wait for Reds fans who have seen more than two months pass since the end of the last campaign.
And the anticipation finally reached a head as the new head coach led his team out for the first time in Pittsburgh.
In truth, it was a little bit of a slow start from Liverpool. With the pitch slightly sticky and players feeling their way into proceedings, that was perhaps not a surprise.
But things ramped up a little after half an hour with the introduction of young Trey Nyoni as a substitute. After a sparkling midfield display from the 17-year-old academy star, it’s safe to say that Reds supporters were impressed.
Liverpool fans rave about Trey Nyoni
Nyoni already has first-team experience for Liverpool, of course. The youngster was given his debut by Jurgen Klopp against Southampton at Anfield last season.
Just 16 at the time, Klopp raved about Nyoni and it was a clear indication that the former Leicester prospect can be a star of the future.
After seeing him come on for the injured Curtis Jones on Saturday, Liverpool supporters clearly think so.
“Nyoni, who only turned 17 a month ago, has come on here and probably been our best player,” said one X user. “You can tell when some players have it and he's one of them.”
“Trey Nyoni gonna be a star,” another agreed, while one claimed that the youngster was already a better version of former Reds midfielder Naby Keita.
Trey Nyoni is everything we wanted from Naby Keita… and he's only 17…” they said.
Others pointed out that it was clear within a matter of minutes that Nyoni would play a big part next season.
“I can see Trey Nyoni playing a key role this season,” said one X user, with another proclaiming “Nyoni for Ballon d'Or.”
According to some, what really stood out about the young man was his capability on the ball and his willingness to play forward passes.
“Absolutely sold on Nyoni,” another account wrote. “The intelligence and ability is shining!”
Liverpool fans think they’ve found ‘the next Pogba’
Nobody wants to put too much pressure on any young player coming through, especially one as young as 17.
But it really was noticeable how much of a difference young Nyoni made on Liverpool against Betis.
Comparisons to already established players are often of little use in football, but some Reds supporters were quick to liken their new midfield star to World Cup winner Paul Pogba.
“So far I’m loving Slot ball .. Nyoni is something special sort of a Pogba type of player,” wrote on X user.
“This Nyoni lad is the next Pogba,” reckoned another.
High praise indeed and a really promising firs outing under Slot for Trey.
