Liverpool youngster Trey Nyoni has been a really exciting part of pre-season. Arne Slot has used him against Real Betis, Arsenal and Manchester United, and deployed him again at Anfield against Sevilla — but has warned we shouldn't get too carried away just yet.
Nyoni did nothing to cool the hype by finding the net against the La Liga side, having been introduced shortly after the hour mark in place of Luis Diaz. Lurking on the edge of the box, he controlled a wonderful half-volley into the corner, restoring the briefly-dented Liverpool three-goal cushion.
The left wing was the latest of a number of roles he has taken up in pre-season, emphasizing that Slot can still mold him in more or less any way he likes. But he's not looked out of place anywhere, which will lead many to wonder when we might be seeing his Premier League debut.
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But Slot urged caution after Nyoni first caught the eye against Real Betis. He suggested that it would be a gradual process for the summer's standout starlet:
"Trey did well, he was involved in the goal with a spot on pass between the lines and he was involved in our biggest chance in the second half," Slot said. "But he's only just turned 17 and his body still has to grow.
"We are really careful with him. He doesn't join every session. You can see his quality. He needs some time to grow to play at Premier League level but he's an interesting player."
Liverpool is right to be cautious with Nyoni, who was poached from Leicester City's youth setup last summer. It needn't look far for cautionary tales, with Stefan Bajcetic the latest to suffer injury woes after a sudden breakthrough into the first team.
That's not to say Liverpool did anything wrong in that particular situation, but it underlines how delicate this phase of a young player's career can be. Nyoni has given all supporters a great deal to be excited about in pre-season, but we should expect him to remain on the periphery for the time being.
Liverpool.com says: To look so at home with the first-team in such a variety of positions is hugely encouraging for Nyoni. It shows the raw footballing talent and intelligence he possesses.
But he's only just 17. His journey at Anfield is only just beginning. This goal is a significant landmark in that journey, but there is absolutely no need to rush anything.
