Tyler Morton reflects on change in Arne Slot treatment after Jurgen Klopp before Liverpool exit

Former Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton is making waves in France after leaving the club last summer, now performing well in Ligue 1 and topping the Europa League table with Lyon

Tyler Morton is a regular starter for Lyon(Image: Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Former Liverpool midfielder Tyler Morton is causing a stir in France following his departure from the club last summer. An England U21 international, Morton joined Liverpool's academy at the age of seven and made his senior debut for the club aged 21.

Whilst he broke through under Jurgen Klopp, with aspirations of a long-term future at Anfield seemingly within reach, incoming manager Arne Slot showed no interest in keeping him and the youngster sought opportunities elsewhere. Despite Klopp's faith in him, Morton saw limited action at Liverpool, but he's now enjoying regular minutes at Lyon and performing impressively.

Morton recently reflected on his time working under both managers at Liverpool in an interview with French publication Le Progres.

"Jurgen Klopp was the best coach for my development," Morton explained. "I think at that moment, I was ready to play. I'm not saying that no one believed it, but I think I was ready, and Klopp thought so too.

"He gave me the opportunity to play on the biggest stage for a very big club. He believed in me, allowed me to go out on loan to develop. Jurgen just wanted the best for me, he made me play great matches in the Champions League and the Premier League. It was a remarkable period, he made me progress at all levels."

Speaking about Slot, he said: "With Arne Slot, I didn't play as much as I wanted, even though I was ready. It was his decision, and I took it calmly, but I had to find another path. He was very open and very honest with me at the end of last season.

"We talked a lot, and he let me join OL. I will be eternally grateful to Jurgen Klopp and Arne Slot, in different ways. They are excellent managers, but also great men."

Tyler Morton was brought into the team under legendary boss Jurgen Klopp(Image: Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Morton has yet to earn a senior England cap, but he'll be hoping his displays can thrust him into international contention. One rival for a spot is Crystal Palace star Adam Wharton – arguably English football's hottest emerging talent right now, with a host of top-six clubs circling.

Playing alongside former Arsenal man Ainsley Maitland-Niles, Morton has impressed in Ligue 1, helping the seven-time champions sit fifth in the table. France's title race is exceptionally tight this season, with Lens, PSG, Marseille, Lille and Lyon all vying for top honours.

His increased playing time at Lyon, compared to his spell at Liverpool, will have sharpened the midfielder's match fitness across 23 appearances this campaign. He's featured in 15 league fixtures, alongside six Europa League outings and two in the Coupe de France.

Morton has accumulated 1,813 minutes of playing time this season, including 1,317 in the league – a substantial increase since his departure from Liverpool. His performances have propelled Lyon to the summit of the Europa League standings after six fixtures, securing five victories and suffering just one defeat against Real Betis.

Tyler Morton in Lyon colors(Image: Photo by Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

In European competition, Morton has clocked up 338 minutes under Paulo Fonseca and recorded one assist. Additionally, he has maintained a 91.34% pass completion rate across all six matches and covered nearly 30km (18.5 miles) in midfield.

As a natural number six, Morton excels in deeper positions, disrupting opposition play and linking defence with attack. In domestic competition, the English midfielder has won 51 duels and completed 17 tackles, averaging 0.8 ball recoveries per match.

Beyond scoring one goal and providing one assist, he's also claimed the player of the match accolade on one occasion.

French publication Get French Football described Morton as "an outstanding ball recovery specialist" with "remarkable vision, notable accuracy and impressive defensive work."

Whilst his signing was initially viewed as a considerable gamble, Morton has proven to be a vital component in Fonseca's system.