Arne Slot has disclosed why he made the surprising choice to give 16-year-old academy prospect Rio Ngumoha his first Liverpool start.
The youngster, born in 2008, was named in the starting lineup for the Reds’ FA Cup clash with Accrington Stanley on Saturday, making history as Liverpool’s youngest-ever player in the competition.
Not only was it Ngumoha’s first start for the Premier League leaders, but it also marked his full debut for the club.
Since joining Liverpool from Chelsea last summer, Ngumoha has made an instant impact, providing four assists in the Under-18 Premier League and UEFA Youth League.
Slot revealed that the teenager’s composure and courage during first-team training sessions influenced his decision to include him.
“It’s always special when a young player makes his debut, no matter where you are,” said Slot.
Rio Ngumoha became the youngest player to feature for Liverpool in the FA Cup on Saturday
Arne Slot discussed the 16-year-old’s fearless approach while training with the senior squad
Ngumoha also made a strong impression on the Dutchman with his efforts in the academy
‘You know what it means to the player. He is a young kid that has been with us for half a season. He has trained mostly with the Under-21s but sometimes with us.
‘But when he has been with us, he isn’t afraid to do what he is good at – taking players on. I hope he gets the chance to show his quality.’
Since arriving on Merseyside last summer, Ngumoha has predominantly featured for the club’s U18s side but has also earned minutes for the U19s in the UEFA Youth League.
He is a regular in Slot’s first-team training sessions and has impressed with his showings.
The Dutchman revealed that he has been impressed by the Englishman’s work on the grass and that continued hard-work will earn him more minutes.
‘Rio only once [featured in the squad before], Southampton away I think, but these players are doing really well when they train with us,’ he said.
‘They are doing really well when they play with the U21s.
‘So as long as they keep doing that, their chances of getting their moment in the first team will increase, of course.’