Rio Ngumoha made history for Liverpool simply by stepping onto the pitch for their FA Cup third round tie against Accrington Stanley today.
The 16-year-old became the youngest player to feature in a first-team game for the Merseyside club when he made his senior debut for Arne Slot at Anfield this afternoon.
All eyes will be on the exciting teenager to see what he can produce, and in 72 minutes of action he more than justified the director’s leap of faith.
Ngumoha dazzles in Liverpool debut
Within the first few minutes, Ngumoha tormented Accrington with his wonderful footwork and intelligent ball control, looking dangerous whenever he cut in from the left flank and quickly showing that he is no match for the seasoned pros on the same pitch.
There was one particularly hilarious moment on the touchline that sent Donald Love flying into the air, with the former Manchester United right-back clearly delighted that he won’t have to face the Liverpool prodigy for at least the rest of the season!
Ngumoha today more than justifies Arne Slot’s beliefs.
When the Reds signed Ngumoha from Chelsea last year, he arrived on Merseyside on a good recommendation from Blues academy coach John Terry, with the move only taking place after a lengthy Premier League registration process.
Today’s evidence suggests that all the bureaucracy and red tape may have been worth it. Liverpool Echo journalist Ian Doyle later declared that the performance represented the 16-year-old’s ‘first steps’ in his senior level career. His trip is said to be ‘an interesting journey worth watching.’
The teenager was understandably tired after half-time, but did enough to earn a rapturous applause from the Anfield crowd, and he made way for fellow academy gem Jayden Danns, who put his side ahead after just four minutes. It gave us a 3-0 lead. introduction.
According to SofaScore, he completed all but two passes in 72 minutes, completed three duels, three dribbles and two shots.
At such a young age, Ngumoha will no doubt be carefully nurtured on Merseyside and Slot and the LFC academy coaches are careful not to ask too much too quickly from the forward.
Nonetheless, he showed today why Liverpool’s hierarchy believe he boasts ‘absolutely crazy’ potential. What happens to him in 2025 will be very interesting!
You can check out highlights from Ngumoha’s senior debut below. @filmiczki on X:
— filmiczki (@filmiczki) January 11, 2025
