Liverpool fans feel it’s “over” for two first-team players after one star shines in the pre-season loss to Leeds.
Liverpool fans are excited about a lesser-known player who might shine under Andoni Iraola after seeing his performance in the Reds’ 4-2 loss to Leeds United.
Liverpool looked like they were in control against Daniel Farke’s team at Soldier Field in Chicago, with goals from Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz giving Iraola’s side a 2-0 halftime lead.
But Leeds came back strong in the second half, scoring four goals in just 13 minutes to win 4-2, leaving Iraola puzzled.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin scored twice, and Brenden Aaronson and Sean Longstaff also found the net, giving Liverpool plenty to think about ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League season. The Reds finished the friendly with a young defense made up of Calvin Ramsay, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye, and Kostas Tsimikas.
Virgil van Dijk is the only senior center-back currently fit after Joe Gomez got a muscle injury against Sunderland last week, and it looks like he might miss Liverpool’s Premier League opener against Newcastle United on August 23.
Curtis Jones faced some criticism for his game and is still linked with a possible move away from Anfield. Meanwhile, Wirtz and Alexander Isak put in strong performances.
But the star of the show was 19-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni, who wowed fans with a beautiful long-range pass during the build-up to Wirtz’s goal and looked confident on the ball throughout. Some fans even think he could take a starting spot over Ryan Gravenberch and Jones this season.
Fans quickly shared their thoughts on social media.
One said, “That pass from Trey Nyoni was amazing. His passing range is really impressive. He’s probably the player who’s stood out most in pre-season.”
Another added, “Trey Nyoni has to start next season based on what I’ve seen from Jones and Gravenberch. He makes the pitch bigger and gives defenders a hard time when they press. He’s a real threat.”
A third comment said, “Andoni Iraola can’t let Trey Nyoni go out on loan; he’s exactly the kind of quality defensive midfielder Liverpool have needed. Look at how he tricks opponents with his body and plays through the midfield lines. Top player.”
And a fourth fan said, “The more I see of Trey Nyoni, the more I don’t get why Slot didn’t use him last season when the midfield struggled so much. Sure, it’s only pre-season and the league will be tougher, but with a tough season behind us, why not give a talented youngster a chance? He could be our next academy star.”
Nyoni joined Liverpool’s academy from Leicester City in 2023 and has already played 20 times for the senior team, including six Premier League games last season.
Liverpool will return from their US tour this week, with pre-season matches against AS Monaco and Como before their Premier League opener against Newcastle on August 23.
Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Alisson Becker, and new signing Victor Munoz will join their new head coach at the AXA Training Centre this week, while Alexis Mac Allister has been given extended leave.