Liverpool fans think it's 'over' for two first-team stars as player impresses in pre-season defeat to Leeds

Liverpool fans think a little-known player could be set to make his mark under Andoni Iraola after watching his performance in the Reds’ 4-2 defeat against Leeds United.

Liverpool appeared to be cruising against Daniel Farke’s side at Soldier Field, Chicago, with strikes from Luke Chambers and Florian Wirtz putting Iraola’s side 2-0 up at half-time.

However, Leeds fought back in the second half, scoring four goals in just 13 minutes to secure a 4-2 victory and leave Iraola scratching his head.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s brace and strikes from Brenden Aaronson and Sean Longstaff have given Liverpool plenty to think about ahead of the 2026/27 Premier League campaign, with the 20-time champions finishing the friendly with an inexperienced back four of Calvin Ramsay, Ifeanyi Ndukwe, Mor Talla Ndiaye and Kostas Tsimikas.

Virgil van Dijk is the only recognised senior centre-back currently fit after Joe Gomez suffered a muscle problem against Sunderland last week, with reports suggesting he is likely to miss the Reds’ Premier League opener against Newcastle United on August 23.

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Liverpool fans impressed by starlet

Curtis Jones came in for criticism for his performance as he continues to be linked with a move away from Anfield, while Wirtz and Alexander Isak impressed.

But it was 19-year-old midfielder Trey Nyoni who got fans talking after providing a sumptuous long-range pass during the build-up to Wirtz's goal while also appearing assured in possession throughout, with some even suggesting he could pip Ryan Gravenberch and Jones to a spot in Iraola's starting XI this season.

Fans were quick to react on social media.

One said: “That pass from Trey Nyoni is impeccable. His passing range is very impressive. Probably the player who has caught my eye in pre-season the most."

Another added: “Trey Nyoni has to be a starter next season based on what I’ve seen from Jones and Gravenberch. He makes the pitch bigger and gives opponents more problems when they try to press. That’s a real threat.”

A third claimed: “Andoni Iraola cannot let Trey Nyoni go out on loan; this is the kind of quality #6 that Liverpool have been crying out for. Look at the level of deception he can utilise to shift & play through the midfield lines; warping body orientation before swinging those hips around. Top, top footballer."

While a fourth added: “The more I see of Trey Nyoni, the more I don’t understand why Slot didn’t use him at all in a season with so many awful midfield performances. Yes, it’s only pre-season, and the intensity will change massively when the league starts. But in a season where everything went wrong, surely he could have rolled the dice with a talented youngster. Could he be our next academy breakthrough?"

Nyoni joined Liverpool from Leicester City’s academy in 2023 and has since featured 20 times for the senior side, including six appearances in the Premier League last term.

Liverpool return from their US tour this week, with pre-season fixtures against AS Monaco and Como to come before their Premier League opener away at Newcastle United on August 23.

Van Dijk, Cody Gakpo, Alisson Becker and summer recruit Victor Munoz will link up with their new head coach at the AXA Training Centre this week while Alexis Mac Allister has been granted extended leave.