Trey Nyoni has slowly started to creep his way into a bigger role at Liverpool under Andoni Iraola, with fans impressed by the steps the youngster is beginning to take.

Having been largely overlooked by Arne Slot last season, Iraola made it clear that Nyoni would be needed more this term, having chosen to promote him in the wake of Curtis Jones’ departure to Inter Milan.

Iraola pleased with Nyoni’s physical development

Although Liverpool are demanding more and more from Nyoni, it remains true that they have to be careful with overusing him as his body grows and develops.

Slot protected Rio Ngumoha for the same reason last season, despite calls to throw the 18-year-old in as much as possible, and Iraola is clearly of the same mind in regards to Nyoni.

The midfielder asked to come off during the win over Tottenham in the last round of the Carabao Cup, and having lasted 82 minutes this time, Iraola told LFCTV that this was a big step forward for him.

“I think overall the young players have been very good today,” he said. “Even in terms of endurance, he [Nyoni] has played almost all the game. In previous games he has asked for the change with cramping, but today he finished in a much better place physically.

“Overall I’m happy for him and all the [young] players who started today.”

Iraola was also asked about Nyoni during his post-match press conference, where he once again reiterated what a good display the teenager had delivered.

“I think he has done very well. Really well,” he said. “It’s good for the young players especially to live these experiences in cup competitions, where if you lose you are out. We have been losing and then the draw. Then they haven’t been there in the penalty shootout but they lived the feelings.

“They played under pressure against a very good team. And Trey has finished physically in a good place, so well done, yes.”