-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
Arne Slot said Rio Ngumoha has already won over the Anfield crowd after he made his senior Liverpool debut against Accrington Stanley.
At just 16 years and 135 days old, Ngumoha became the youngest-ever player to start for Liverpool when selected in the line-up for Saturday’s FA Cup third-round tie – although Slot has since revealed he was only named in the XI due to Federico Chiesa’s pre-match illness.
Regardless, Ngumoha was excellent in the first half of the 4-0 win and produced several exciting forays down Liverpool’s left-hand side. The teenager attempted seven dribbles, more than any team-mate, and his jinking dribbling style certainly excited the home crowd, who enthusiastically applauded his flair and moments of skill.
READ MORE: Liverpool player ratings, winners and losers vs Accrington as Wataru Endo and 5 more stand out
READ MORE: Rio Ngumoha impresses as Federico Chiesa sends Liverpool message – 4 talking points vs Accrington
Slot was also delighted with Ngumoha’s efforts as Liverpool secured passage to the fourth round of the FA Cup. “I think he’s been with us now for half a season. Every time when he comes training with us we see what his qualities are,” the Dutchman said after the game when asked about Ngumoha’s debut.
“He can dominate one-v-one situations, he is very quick on his feet, he can change directions really fast. And I’m always happy if a player makes his debut that he shows what we see on the training ground as well, so the fans could see it.
“I think the fans liked what they saw; you could feel this in the stadium in the first half already and when I took him out, [from] the reaction of the fans I think we could see they liked what they saw as well. So, a special day for him – making your debut, win. He will sleep well tonight, I assume.”
Ngumoha managed 72 minutes on his debut before being replaced by Jayden Danns, who went on to score Liverpool’s third goal in the 4-0 victory.
Ngumoha joined Liverpool from Chelsea last summer and has mainly represented the Under-18s this season. The teenager has also played in the FA Youth Cup and the Uefa Youth League and was first included in a senior matchday squad for last month’s Carabao Cup victory over Southampton, although he was an unused substitute on that occasion.