Arne Slot reveals reason for picking 16-year-old sensation Rio Ngumoha in starting XI for Liverpool’s FA Cup tie with Accrington Stanley
- Rio Ngumoha made his Liverpool debut in the FA Cup on Saturday
- Arne Slot explained why he made the decision to give the 16-year-old a start
- Listen to It all starts! Why Manchester United may have to sell Kobbie Mainoo or Alejandro Garnacho
Arne Slot has revealed the reason behind his shock decision to hand 16-year-old youth player Rio Ngumoha his first start for Liverpool.
The 2008-born talent was named in the first XI for the Reds’ FA Cup tie with Accrington Stanley on Saturday, becoming the youngest player to play for the club in the competition.
Saturday’s match not only marked the teenager’s first start for the current Premier League leaders, but also his full debut.
Liverpool’s rising star has made a strong impression since joining from Chelsea last summer. Since joining the Reds in September, he has provided four assists in the Under-18 Premier League and UEFA Youth League.
Slot explained that Ngumoha’s fearlessness on the ball during first-team training helped him with his big decision.
He said: ‘It’s always special when a young player makes his debut, whatever country you’re in.
Rio Ngumoha became the youngest player to play for Liverpool in the FA Cup on Saturday
Arne Slot discussed the 16-year-old’s fearless approach during training with the senior team
Ngumoha also made a big impression on the Dutchman with his efforts at the academy
‘You know what it means for the player. He is a young boy who has been with us for half a season. He mainly trained with the Under-21s, but sometimes also with us.
‘But when he has been with us, he is not afraid to do what he does best: take on players. I hope he gets the chance to show his quality.’
Since arriving on Merseyside last summer, Ngumoha has played mainly for the club’s U18 side, but has also earned minutes for the U19 players in the UEFA Youth League.
He is a regular guest at Slot’s first team training sessions and impresses with his performances.
The Dutchman said he was 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]“I think Southampton are out, but these players do very well when they train with us,” he said.
‘They do very well when they play with the U21s.
“So as long as they continue to do that, their chances of getting into the first team will obviously increase.”