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Rio Ngumoha shows his talent as Liverpool gets off to positive start against AC Milan

Rio Ngumoha vies for possession against AC Milan.
-Credit: (Image: Photo by Andrew Powell/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)


Liverpool snapped up the highly-rated teenage winger Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea this summer and the 16-year-old made his European debut for the Reds earlier today.

With around half an hour remaining in its game against AC Milan in the UEFA Youth League, Ngumoha entered the field and replaced Kyle Kelly. Liverpool U19s couldn't find the back of the net but a series of good saves from Kornel Misciur secured a point for Barry Lewtas' side as the match ended 0-0.

Born in 2008, Ngumoha only turned 16 a few weeks ago but has now appeared at U19 level for Liverpool in Europe. He made his U18s debut under Marc Bridge-Wilkinson over the weekend as the Reds lost 2-0 to Blackburn Rovers.

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A direct and pacy winger, Ngumoha wasn't able to help Liverpool sneak a win against AC Milan but a point away from home in Europe is not a bad start for the young Reds. The fact that he was involved at the age of 16 shows his talent and potential.

Ngumoha just as he did against Blackburn last weekend — played off the left side with Kieran Morrison moved into a number 10 role and Trent Kone Doherty on the right. The Reds attempted to counter-attack using the pace of those out wide but couldn't secure what would have been something of a smash-and-grab victory.

The UEFA Youth League takes the same format as the Champions League this season, with one big table in the group phase. But at youth level, there are only six fixtures rather than the senior equivalent's eight.

New signing Rio Ngumoha training with Liverpool
-Credit:Instagram

Liverpool U19s will play the same first six fixtures as the senior side but won't face Lille and PSV in January as Arne Slot's team will. It means we should get plenty more opportunities to see Ngumoha again as his progression continues.

Liverpool was delighted to sign one of the most highly-rated players in Europe in Ngumoha this summer, while Chelsea was furious at having lost him. Despite claims to the contrary, it is understood that the Reds brought Ngumoha in on a contract in line with their existing wage structure — with the player and his family enticed by the clear pathway to the first team that has been established at Anfield in recent years.

Trey Nyoni, who was on the bench for the Carabao Cup final last season, captained Liverpool in the game. He is another young talent to watch out for and is only 17.