- Rio Ngumoha to make Liverpool debut against Accrington Stanley in FA Cup
- Ngumoha has impressed Slot since arriving from Chelsea in September
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Liverpool face Accrington Stanley in the third round of the FA Cup this afternoon and, as expected, the Dutch manager made eight changes to face the League Two side.
However, a surprising inclusion in the starting XI was 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha.
At just 16 years and 135 days old, Ngumoha became the youngest player to play in the FA Cup for Liverpool.
Today'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, who was born in 2008, has made a strong impression since joining the Reds this summer from rivals Chelsea.
Since joining the Reds in September, he has contributed four assists in the U18 Premier League and UEFA Youth League, but what else do we know about him? sport mail reveals all about the teenage wonder boy…
Rio Ngumoha to make Liverpool debut against Accrington Stanley in FA Cup
The 16-year-old prodigy has been part of Arne Slot's first team training sessions.
Who is Rio Ngumoha?
Rio Ngumoha is an English footballer who was born on August 29, 2008.
The promising young winger came through Chelsea's youth academy before joining the Merseyside club.
He signed for Liverpool in September 2024.
Ngumoha, 16, has been described as a dynamic left-sided forward, who can play anywhere among the front three.
Since joining the Reds in the summer, he has played predominantly for the club's under-18 team, but has also secured playing time for the under-19s in the UEFA Youth League.
His inclusion in today's starting XI will be a surprise to many, but upon further reflection, it has been a long time coming.
The young talent is a regular in Arne Slot's first team training sessions and has impressed with his performances.
The promising young winger came through Chelsea's youth academy before joining the Merseyside club.
Since joining the Reds in September, he has contributed four assists in the Under-18 Premier League and UEFA Youth League.
Speaking ahead of the third round clash against Accrington Stanley, Slot praised the teenage winger.
“Rio only once (he was in the team before), I think Southampton was away, but these players are doing very well when they train with us,” he said.
'They are doing very well when they play with the under-21s.
“So, as long as they keep doing that, their chances of getting their moment in the first team will increase, of course.”