Trey Nyoni’s reputation continues to grow at Liverpool, with his “composed” performance against Chelsea catching the eye of respected journalist Henry Winter.

The Reds progressed to the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup at the expense of Chelsea on Wednesday, winning 6-5 on penalties after a 0-0 draw at Anfield.

Nyoni was among Liverpool’s most impressive performers against the Blues, showing great maturity at the heart of Liverpool’s midfield, and Winter hailed his ability on X:

“Another very promising performance from Trey Nyoni. Nurtured by Leicester, now flourishing at Liverpool. Unfazed facing Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia of Chelsea last night. 19-year-old midfielder, impressing at 6 (can play 8), and clearly trusted by team-mates to take the ball under pressure.

“Kept taking up intelligent positions, occasionally splitting centre-backs or dropping into space for a pass from Virgil van Dijk. Composed distribution encouraged further by Andoni Iraola, who wants Nyoni to be progressive in his passing, picking out the forwards when opportunity shows.

“Nyoni’s qualities also include balance, press-resistance and fearlessness. Some well-timed interventions, including on Morgan Rogers, then turning away with the ball from Lavia. Dummy to deceive Valentin Barco. Impressed in pre-season, developing well under Iraola, good alternative to Ryan Gravenberch when required.

“Also progressing through England age-groups: 16s, 17s, 18s, 19s, 20s and called into 21s earlier this month. Nyoni only 19, still developing and will learn so much around Van Dijk and others. Hugely promising future.”

Trey Nyoni: A genuine starting option for Liverpool?

Nyoni is such a lovely footballer to watch, oozing class and intelligence in the No.6 role for Liverpool, and looking like a player with a huge future ahead of him.

It is important not to get carried away – there is still a lot of work to do – but he has now made the jump from being a young hopeful to a genuine starting option for the Reds.

Nyoni is unlikely to start against Arsenal in the Premier League on Sunday, but the biggest compliment you can pay him is that he wouldn’t look out of place against the champions.

The Englishman could end up being the defensive midfielder that Liverpool crave, saving them a lot of money, but Andoni Iraola must handle him with care.