Trey Nyoni's performance against Arsenal suggests he could save Liverpool millions in the transfer market, but John Aldridge believes the midfield balance is still not right and defended supporters who booed Jordan Henderson.
Nyoni's display offers hope
Writing in his weekly column, Aldridge praised the decision to start Nyoni against Arsenal, saying the youngster played well and was one of Liverpool's better players.
"He's neat and he's tidy, he didn't give the ball away," Aldridge wrote. "Perhaps he should have got booked earlier on, he was a bit rash, but I thought he was one of our better players."
The former striker said Nyoni could save the club money, with Liverpool having been linked to midfield signings, particularly sitting midfielders. "But he could be the answer. The lad's got a future, obviously."
Gravenberch must fight for his place
Aldridge said Ryan Gravenberch now faces a real battle for his place and must show more determination. He noted the midfielder had a poor season last year after signing a new contract and has dipped in form recently despite early promise.
"The manager has got to get him back on track because he's got the quality, we all know that," Aldridge said. "And having Trey there now might just bring the best out of him."
Aldridge added that the midfield balance is not right at the moment, whether or not Florian Wirtz is involved, and it is up to the manager to find a way to get the best out of Dominik Szoboszlai, Gravenberch and Alexis Mac Allister together.
Alisson error proves costly
Reflecting on the defeat to Arsenal, Aldridge said Alisson Becker's mistake proved costly but refused to criticise the goalkeeper, who has been "magnificent" for Liverpool and deserves a new contract.
"He just made the wrong decision, so it was an error. But the save he pulled off in the second half was top drawer," Aldridge wrote. He also felt Alexander Isak would have scored from a free header had he not been pulled back.
Aldridge gave Arsenal credit for defending brilliantly and nullifying Liverpool, but said the team needed better quality from wide areas. "The final ball's got to be better when you get into these areas against these teams," he said.
Fans right to boo Henderson
Aldridge said he could understand why some supporters booed Jordan Henderson during the Chelsea match, given the rivalry between the clubs and Henderson kissing the Chelsea badge.
"People pay good money, a lot of money, to go to the game, so they can do what they want," he wrote. "Perhaps it's not the Liverpool way of old, but times have changed, haven't they?"
Aldridge said he would rather fans had not booed, but understood the hurt caused by seeing a former captain in a blue shirt. "It's as simple as that," he concluded.
