1 week ago
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Youngest ever player
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After winning a record-equalling 20th English top flight title, Liverpool have invested heavily to build on their success. Two new full-backs arrived in Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong with Liverpool breaking their transfer record to sign Florian Wirtz for an initial €125 million fee. Anfield chiefs have reached an agreement with Eintracht Frankfurt for Hugo Ekitiké and Premier League rivals will be envious of the quality within Liverpool’s squad. Nothing brings more excitement for supporters than new signings but it could also be a breakthrough season for a prodigious gifted youngster, Rio Ngumoha.
The English youth international became Liverpool’s youngest ever player to start a game when he debuted in the FA Cup against Accrington Stanley in January. Liverpool’s acquisition of Ngumoha from Chelsea in September sparked fury at Stamford Bridge as the Merseyside outfit signed the Blues’ most highly-rated academy graduate for a nominal fee. Chelsea legend and former U18 coach John Terry lauded Ngumoha, insisting he was already a ‘top,top player’ and destined for greatness. Slot has a plethora of elite attacking players at his disposal but could Ngumoha force himself into the Dutchman’s first team plans?
Will Rio Ngumoha enjoy his breakthrough Liverpool season?
After moving to Anfield, Ngumoha quickly impressed Slot as he began training with the first-team regularly and he was named on the bench for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton in December. His debut arrived in the following month with Slot admitting that the talented winger is an incredible talent. “You can see why he’s a top talent, he’s just 16 years old.” Slot said. “Rio has been with us half a season, every time in training we see his qualities. He can dominate 1v1 situations and I am always happy if a player making his debut shows what we see at training.”
Ngumoha is a throwback to a traditional winger, who loves to attack and take-on defenders. The 16-year-old possesses devastatingly quick feet and close control, which allows him to outwit defenders before his electric pace ensures he races clear. Ngumoha is fearless and he’s clearly incredibly confident as evidenced by his ambitions for his future career. "I really believe I can win the Ballon d'Or one day,” Ngumoha said in an interview with Inside the Academy. "I want to be regarded as one of the best players to ever play football and be a legend of the game."
How will Rio Ngumoha fit in Liverpool’s team?
Although he’s comfortable on either side, Ngumoha’s preferred role is on the left-wing and there could be a potential opening next season. Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo occupied that role for the majority of the season but the former is expected to depart this summer. Liverpool have already rejected an offer from Bayern Munich for the Colombian but they are expected to return with an improved bid.
Wirtz could be deployed from the left but Diaz’s impending departure means there could be more minutes available for Ngumoha. Pre-season provides the perfect opportunity for the Englishman to impress and he’s certainly made a positive start, scoring in the 5-0 friendly win over Stoke. It’s perhaps too soon to expect Ngumoha to become a first-team starter but his prodigious talent means that Liverpool fans will see him much more regularly next season.
