New Delhi: Arne Slot has included 16-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha in his starting lineup for the FA Cup third-round match against Accrington Stanley. Ngumoha is now the youngest player to start for Liverpool in an FA Cup, breaking Trey Nyoni’s record of 16 years, eight months, eight days last year in February. He also became the first academy debutant under Arne Slot.
Ngumoha joined the Reds last summer from Chelsea’s academy, renowned as one of England’s top young talents, yet few anticipated he would make his senior debut so early. The 16-year-old came as something of a surprise, given the other options already available to Slot in attack, but the Dutch manager showed confidence in him.
Who is Rio Ngumoha?
Ngumoha is an intriguing offensive prospect best suited to the left wing, officially joined Liverpool from Chelsea in September and has carved out a profile for himself.
A new Reds record in the #EmiratesFACup 💫 pic.twitter.com/fOcsZfCiQu
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 11, 2025
His move to Anfield was announced just days after his 16th birthday as it was widely expected that the young talent would move from west London to Merseyside. Since joining the Reds, Ngumoha has primarily played for the club’s U18s but has also represented the U19s in the UEFA Youth League.
Ngumoha is a regular in first-team training and was named to the substitutes’ bench for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton, although he did not play. After the Reds captured Ngumoha, Chelsea banned scouts from both Liverpool and Man United from attending their academy fixtures, as stated by The Athletic.
Ngumoha’s style of play: How good is he?
Ngumoha is a direct winger who thrives in one-on-one situations with defenders more, yet he has sometimes found himself double or triple-marked in games. He flourishes while dropping his shoulder and jinking past markers but he has a tendency to overplay when a simpler ball to a teammate is available.
The young gun’s versatility makes him a danger both in front of goal and when creating opportunities, as he is capable of shooting from a distance, cutting inside and even delivering accurate crosses from the byline.
Ngumoha’s impressive performances at the U18 and UEFA Youth League levels have paved the way for his senior debut. With regular first-team training sessions under his belt and Arne Slot’s trust in young talent, Ngumoha is poised to play a significant role in Liverpool’s future. His journey is just beginning, but the winger is already making waves at Anfield.
Rio Ngumoha, at just 16, has become Liverpool’s youngest FA Cup starter. A graduate of Chelsea’s academy, he is poised to be an Anfield star. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
