Two Liverpool stars have already sent a message to Andoni Iraola in pre-season | OneFootball

Liverpool’s USA Tour Gives Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha Perfect Opportunity

Liverpool’s pre season tour of the United States is about more than fitness. It is the first opportunity for new head coach Andoni Iraola to assess his squad in match conditions, and according to Lewis Steele, there are already a handful of academy players making a strong impression.

Speaking to Dave Davis on the latest episode of Media Matters for Anfield Index, Steele highlighted two names that Liverpool supporters should watch closely, Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha. While transfers continue to dominate the headlines, the conversation suggested that this summer could be equally significant for Liverpool’s brightest young talents.

Trey Nyoni Leading the Way

When Dave Davis asked which player he was most excited to watch during Liverpool’s opening friendly against Sunderland, Steele’s answer came without hesitation.

“I think for me, from what I’ve heard, Trey Nyoni is really stepping up in this preseason and I quite like him a lot. So, I think he’s probably the one that I’d pick above all.”

That is an encouraging assessment for a midfielder already regarded as one of Liverpool’s standout prospects. Steele’s comments suggest Nyoni has taken advantage of an unusual pre season, one where senior departures and injuries have created genuine opportunities.

Later in the discussion, Steele reinforced that belief.

“As I say, Nyoni’s apparently doing well.”

Photo: IMAGO

He then widened the picture by explaining why this summer matters so much.

“The theme of this preseason tour is they’ve lost a few players in terms of exits. They’re a few light in terms of transfers at the moment. So, it’s a real chance for players to step up and make a name for themselves.”

For Liverpool, that creates a fascinating dynamic. Iraola arrives with fresh ideas, no established favourites beyond the obvious senior figures, and a willingness to reward players who impress on merit.

Rio Ngumoha Continues His Development

While Nyoni received the strongest praise, Rio Ngumoha was never far from the conversation.

Steele admitted he was eager to see how the young winger has progressed.

“I’m interested to see Rio after he’s had his full season in the first team now and he’s been with the England squad which can only be a good experience.”

Photo: IMAGO

He also pointed to visible physical development during Liverpool’s training sessions.

“I think he looks like he’s bulked up a bit over the summer… he definitely seems like he’s bulked up.”

That physical growth could prove important as Ngumoha looks to establish himself under Iraola.

Steele also dismissed one story that circulated last season.

“Actually, I think that Rio thing was a bit of nonsense to be honest.”

Instead of focusing on rumours, Steele concentrated on tangible areas of improvement. When discussing Ngumoha’s evolution, he explained that the next stage of his game extends beyond his natural attacking talent.

“We know that he can dribble. We know that he can beat a man. We know he knows where the goal is.”

What comes next, according to Steele, is refining the finer details.

“The next stage is the stuff that we don’t maybe notice so much, the off the ball stuff, the tracking back, the positioning defensively.”

He added that decision making would also be crucial.

“Knowing when to run at his man and when to stop and play the easy ball.”

Those comments paint the picture of a player already blessed with elite attacking ability, now working on the complete package required at Premier League level.

X: @LFC

Iraola’s Philosophy Opens the Door

Perhaps the biggest reason for optimism surrounding both Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha is Iraola himself.

Steele explained how the new Liverpool head coach’s background naturally encourages youth development.

“He’s grown up in a culture which has sort of had no choice but to promote youth. So I think that’s something that he believes in strongly.”

He continued by pointing to Iraola’s coaching record.

“He believes in coaching players to be better.”

That philosophy could benefit Liverpool’s academy graduates immediately. Steele even predicted the names likely to receive opportunities.

“So I think we will see the likes of Trey Nyoni… Josh Aber might get a run out… Will Wright… Luke Chambers at left back. So there’s a lot of… I think he’ll be giving out minutes to these sorts of people.”

The opportunity is certainly there, and Steele believes Nyoni has already positioned himself well to seize it. Meanwhile, Ngumoha appears ready to build on an impressive breakthrough campaign.

As Steele concluded when discussing the England youngster’s future:

“I think this is going to be a really big season for him… I think he could end up being a, he’s already had a breakthrough season, but I think this could be a real breakthrough when the rest of the Premier League sort of takes notice.”

For Liverpool supporters following the USA tour, those may prove to be the most significant words of the entire conversation with Dave Davis. Transfers will come and go, but if Trey Nyoni and Rio Ngumoha continue on their current trajectory, Andoni Iraola may already have two outstanding internal solutions waiting to be unlocked.