Liverpool’s recent run of form has not only been built on positive results but also on Andoni Iraola’s trust in youth development. Iraola’s early stint at Liverpool has shown that the club’s commitment is to turn young prospects into wonderkids.
The approach was evident in Liverpool’s recent win over Chelsea in the EFL Cup. The Spanish coach took a brave step to make seven changes to his starting eleven that defeated Brighton, handing out starts to youngster Rio Ngumoha, Trey Nyoni, James McConnell and Lewis Koumas. Iraola’s trust in the youth paid off as Liverpool won on penalties, with Nyoni winning the Player of the Match award.
It is clear that Liverpool youngsters, particularly Ngumoha and Trent, are benefiting from the regular involvement this season. Ngumoha has been regarded as one of the most exciting prospects in English football, having made three international appearances at 18, while Nyoni has proven that he is developed beyond the academy setup and is ready for more minutes in Liverpool’s first team.
Ngumoha and Nyoni’s development trajectories are also visible in the modern transfer market. In the last summer transfer window, Liverpool rejected a £60 million approach from Bayern Munich for Ngumoha, and shot down a £30 million offer for Nyoni from Nottingham Forest.
Since the start of the season, Ngumoha has started in three Champions League and two Carabao Cup matches, gaining valuable first-team experience. Nyoni is making a significant impact in a deep-lying midfield role, as seen against Chelsea last week. He has already outgrown his last season’s role and is regarded as a future at Anfield.
Liverpool have already made their stance on Ngumoha and Nyoni clear when they decided not to entertain a big-money approach last summer. Now, with both players grown further and expected to attract more interest, Liverpool could consider them £100 million assets.
🚨@davidlynchlfc: It’s possible #LFC could have two £100m players if Rio & Trey carry on this way. Bayern did seem willing to pay £60m in the summer according to those reports & Julian Ward needs to get that one wrapped up soon. Trey is coming up on the rails fast & he’ll be a starter in 12 months.
— AnfieldIndex (@AnfieldIndex) October 29, 2026
As Andoni Iraola is turning Liverpool youngsters into valuable assets with regular first-team opportunities, it has affected the game time for senior figures Federico Chiesa and Wataru Endo.
The Italian forward has fallen behind in the pecking order under Iraola, featuring just two minutes across competitions this season. He returned from a back injury last month, but is yet to impress the new Liverpool hierarchy. Once known for his dribbling skills and work rate on the wing, Chiesa has struggled to reach his potential in English football. His contract at Liverpool runs until June 2028, but given his struggles with injuries and form, the player is linked with an Anfield exit in the upcoming transfer window.
The situation is worse for Endo, who has yet to make an appearance since the departure of Arne Slot. Iraola has prioritised Nyoni and McConnell as cover in midfield, leaving Endo warming the bench. The 33-year-old is expected to leave on a free transfer when his contract ends at the end of the season.
For now, Iraola’s vision is clear. Ngumoha and Nyoni are part of the Liverpool future, and the manager is prepared to accelerate their development at the expense of Chiesa and Endo.
