Liverpool manager Andoni Iraola started 19-year-old Trey Nyoni against Arsenal at Anfield on Sunday, giving him his first Premier League start while Ryan Gravenberch was named on the bench. Dominik Szoboszlai was also among the substitutes after injury.
Iraola explains the decision
Explaining his selection to Sky Sports, Iraola said: "It's not about me, it's about Trey. He has shown that he has the level. He has been very good on the ball for us, very good without the ball. He understands the game. Obviously it's a big challenge for him, but we trust him 100 per cent. He covers a lot of space and he's aggressive without the ball, he's calm in possession and he's good in communicating with his team-mates."
Nyoni's recent involvement
Nyoni had already made 20 appearances for Liverpool, 14 of them this season, and had started in the Champions League. Gravenberch started alongside Nyoni in Wednesday's Carabao Cup win over Chelsea on penalties after a 1-1 draw.
Pundits react to Gravenberch call
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: "The one thing that has stood out with the manager so far is he's not afraid to make big decisions. He dropped Gravenberch really early, after the first game of the season, away at Newcastle. He's left Kerkez out, a player who he knows before as well. He's changed the wingers in and out at different times."
Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher said: "What I would say is, I think we all go back to being a young player; the first time as a youngster when you're ever picked ahead of what you [think] is an established player. It's always difficult, I think, for the senior player to ever recover from that. Not that he can't come back, but Iraola's saying he's got more trust in a 19-year-old kid who's only getting better and his career is going one way. I think that will be a mighty blow for Gravenberch."
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge said: "I like it. I like it, man. I think Trey has been really good so far this season. Looks so comfortable in possession. Not shy to drop in between the defence. Picks passes in between the lines. He's intercepting passes as well at a high clip. Gravenberch hasn't been at his best. We know he's a top player, one who won young player of the season only two seasons ago; Premier League winner, as we know. I think the manager's arguably made the right call. Gravenberch isn't in the best moment but I believe he can come back to his best – make no mistake about that."
Gravenberch's position
Gravenberch had returned for the win over Brighton after a one-game ban for his red card against Manchester City.
