Two Liverpool players set to battle it out for game time under Andoni Iraola

Andoni Iraola has already brought a lot of new things to the table at Liverpool.

The Spaniard has spent the last few seasons as Bournemouth's manager with the Cherries managing to get their highest-ever finish in the Premier League last term.

Not only does this prove that he knows what he's doing but it also shows that the tactics he wants to use work in England's top flight.

Of course, a lot of it was down to the impressive performances of his squad but, without his guidance, they probably wouldn't have been as good as they were.

Obviously, every manager has their own way of doing things but, compared to Arne Slot, Iraola's outlook on football seems to be a lot more positive and he also seems to have a heavy focus on including youngsters in his plans.

So, the fact that two of the Reds' players are going to have to battle it out with one another for game time makes a lot of sense.

There is no pecking order between James McConnell and Trey Nyoni this season

Introducing youngsters into the first-team squad has always been something that Liverpool's managers have done.

The best of the lot was obviously Jurgen Klopp. He promoted some of the Reds' current crop of players such as Curtis Jones and Conor Bradley who ended up becoming regular features for the Anfield outfit.

Of course, Trent Alexander-Arnold is probably the most famous academy graduate that Klopp promoted but, after his betrayal last summer, fans have tried to forget about him existing.

Slot wasn't really one for changing his starting XI too much which is why only Ngumoha was given a chance to prove his worth.

But, with Iraola now at the helm, it feels like Liverpool's youngsters will be getting a new lease of life.

However, for two of the players that the Spaniard is keeping around, it looks like they're going to have to battle it out to feature.

"It is understood James McConnell’s loan move to Championship side Preston has been kiboshed – for now at least – by Liverpool in the last days despite regular game-time being promised," Lewis Steele wrote.

"North End had a deal agreed and met the player but Liverpool pulled the plug.

"The young midfielder, who spent time at Ajax last season, knocked on the door of boss Andoni Iraola last Friday and was told he is part of his plans after impressing in training and there will be minutes for him in the first team this year.

"McConnell also had a meeting with sporting director Richard Hughes, who stressed there is no official pecking order in the midfield so both Nyoni and McConnell can push for minutes

The 2026-27 season is going to be Trey Nyoni and James McConnell's best chance to prove their worth

If we're being honest, most people expected Nyoni to play a regular role this term.

The fact that Slot even chose to play him in a few games proved that he knew how to handle himself.

And, since the Reds' midfield was often overrun last term, some changes were expected to be made.

Admittedly, fans thought that they'd see at least one new midfielder getting brought in but, with how much work Richard Hughes has had to do on Liverpool's defence and attack, there's not really much left in their transfer war chest to secure any deals.

Lamine Camara, Adam Wharton and Angelo Stiller have all been linked with a switch but, now, it seems like Nyoni and McConnell have been given their dream chance to play for the Anfield outfit instead.

If they don't live up to expectations, it could be the end of their time in L4 but, if they end up playing well and potentially exceed expectations, it could easily set them up to become regular starters next term.

Obviously, nothing is set in stone but for now, this feels like a great opportunity for the young midfield duo, even if they are being pitted against one another.