Tyler Morton: From Liverpool Outcast To Lyon Star
It wasn’t long ago that Tyler Morton was walking out at Anfield for Liverpool in the UEFA Champions League. Delivering a performance against Porto, which received praise from the likes of Thiago Alcantara and had fans hailing the then-teenager as the future.
With impressive loan spells at Blackburn Rovers and Hull City to follow, the youngster showcased his ability to perform on a consistent basis in the Championship, amassing 79 appearances across two seasons and looked well on his way to developing into the next great midfielder on Merseyside. However, further opportunities never seemed to come for Morton, who witnessed Liverpool win the Premier League title from the outskirts, failing to register a single league appearance across the 2024/25 campaign.
A disappointing blow for a player who turned down the chance to work with Xabi Alonso at invincible Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen, in favour of fighting for a place at his boyhood club. A choice which consequently factored into the 22-year old’s decision to close the chapter on his journey with Liverpool in the summer after 16 years, completing a €15 million move to Ligue 1 side Lyon.
“I personally disagreed with the limited amount of game time I got, but that was out of my control. I did everything I could. I played for the under-21s when a lot of players wouldn’t. I did everything in my power to stay fit and mentally focused for when my time came, and I still got limited opportunities,” said Morton regarding his time with Liverpool.
“I just wanted to play. I don’t think I was asking for too much, even if it was coming off the bench in the Premier League…anything, to be honest.”
Proving himself in France
With opportunities being the main motivation behind his switch, Morton has found himself becoming one of the first names on the teamsheet under Paulo Fonseca, having started in 11 fixtures across Ligue 1 and the UEFA Europa League so far, missing just two through suspension. A defensive midfielder with technical ability, composure, a range of passes and potential to become a box-to-box threat, it’s no surprise that Morton finds himself being deployed in a midfield pivot, alongside Tanner Tessmann.
With the pair being instructed to shield the defence whilst progressing the ball, breaking lines and controlling the tempo from deeper areas. A role that Morton has thrived in so far, sitting in the 85th percentile for passes attempted by a midfielder in Europe’s top five leagues with 62.60 per 90. Morton also ranks in the 77th percentile for progressive carries (1.74) and successful take-ons (0.87).
While comfortable with his defensive responsibilities, the 22-year old has shown flashes of becoming a threat on the attack for Lyon, having already registered his first goal for the club in a 1-0 win against fellow European challengers Lille. As the Englishman’s ability to make third-man runs, creates opportunities to exploit the defence and arrive in goal scoring positions. Something that was evident during his spell under Liam Rosenior at Hull City, scoring on three occasions and providing five assists.
What’s next?
Having competed against some of the very best under-21 players in Europe during the summer, helping England secure a historic second consecutive UEFA European Under-21 Championship. Morton will now have his sights set on impressing Three Lions manager Thomas Tuchel.
Although being involved in the first-team set-up is rather ambitious for a player with nine top-flight league appearances to his name, especially with a World Cup around the corner. Morton is definitely one to keep an eye on, having shown signs of becoming an integral piece for a Lyon side, who have ambitions of winning the UEFA Europa League this season and challenging for further European qualification in Ligue 1.
With the defensive midfield position potentially having a spot in the squad up for grabs, alongside Adam Wharton and Eliot Anderson, due to the likes of Jordan Henderson beginning to be phased out. Morton’s age, profile and sustained high-level performances could make him a prime candidate to land a call-up in the near future.
By: Reece Coughlan / @ReeceAC_
Featured Image: @GabFoligno / Jean Catuffe / Getty Images