Arne Slot reveals reason for picking 16-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha in starting XI for Liverpool’s FA Cup tie with Accrington Stanley
Arne Slot has revealed the reason behind his shock decision to hand 16-year-old academy star Rio Ngumoha his first start for Liverpool.
The 2008-born talent was included in the first XI for the Reds’ FA Cup tie with Accrington Stanley on Saturday, becoming the youngest player to feature for the club in the competition.
Saturday’s game not only marked the teenager’s first start for the current Premier League leaders but his full debut as well.
Liverpool’s rising star has made a strong impression since he joined last summer from Chelsea. Since linking up with the Reds in September, he has contributed four assists in the Under-18s Premier league and UEFA Youth League.
Slot explained that Ngumoha’s fearlessness on the ball in first-team training aided his big decision.
He said: ‘It is always special when a young player makes his debut, no matter which country you are in.
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.’
