leicester city
The ex-Leicester City prodigy who was involved in EFL Cup drama
Leicester City have seen one of their former academy starlets thrust into the Liverpool first-team picture of late, and he was involved on matchday again in the EFL Cup yesterday.
Leicester City had teenage midfielder Trey Nyoni in their academy ranks for 10 years. He linked up with the Foxes’ academy back in 2013 at the age of just six and looked to be on the right path with the Championship club.
Despite his youth, he was a regular for the Leicester U18s and had even been in and around the U21s. Nyoni never appeared for that age group, but he was given chances to feature around the squad as he continued his development.
The 16-year-old wouldn’t make his breakthrough at the King Power Stadium though, swapping Leicester City for Liverpool in the summer.
A step up to a club of that stature speaks volumes of Nyoni’s talent and potential, but few would have expected him to be thrust into the senior picture so quickly. The former Foxes prospect has found regular minutes at U18s and U21s level since his move last summer but amid an injury crisis at Anfield, the England youth international has risen to the first-team side recently.
After being named on the bench on a number of occasions, Nyoni was among the substitutes again on Sunday as Liverpool defeated Chelsea in the EFL Cup final. The starlet didn’t feature, but as an unused substitute, he was right amongst the celebrations with a number of his academy teammates.
Foxes prospect heading for the top?
While Nyoni is still waiting on his Liverpool debut, his recent emergence only makes for good reading. Yes, the former Leicester City talent has been thrust into the first-team fold due to injuries, but the fact he has been picked ahead of other age group and academy midfielders speaks volumes about his potential and how the senior coaching team views his current ability.
Time will tell if the youngster is to make his senior bow amid this injury crisis, but a chance to be in and around the Liverpool first-team so early into his career can only do wonders for his development.
While Leicester City may have hoped Nyoni would stay with them to continue his progress, those at the Foxes’ academy will be proud to see a young talent who spent so long with them in the limelight on an occasion as big as the EFL Cup final.
