The Reds face Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup third round this afternoon and unsurprisingly the Dutch manager made eight changes to face the League two outfit.
However one shock inclusion to the starting XI was 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha.
At just 16 years and 135 days old, Ngumoha became the youngest player ever to feature for Liverpool in the FA Cup.
Today’s game not only marked the teenager’s first start for the current League leaders but his full debut as well.
Liverpool’s rising star who was born in 2008, has made a strong impression since he joined up with Reds this summer from rivals Chelsea.
Since linking up with the Reds in September, he has contributed four assists in the Under-18s Premier league and UEFA youth League.
Rio Ngumoha will make his Liverpool debut vs Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup
The 16-year-old wonderkid has Arne Slot’s first-team training sessions
Who is Rio Ngumoha
Rio Ngumoha is an English footballer who was born on August, 29 in 2008.
The promising younger winger came through the youth academy at Chelsea before he linked up with the Merseyside club.
He signed for Liverpool in September 2024.
Ngumoha, 16, has been described as a lively left-sided forward, who can play anywhere across the front three.
Since linking up with the Reds in the summer, he has predominantly featured for the club’s U18s side but has also warranted playing time for the U19s in the UEFA Youth League.
His inclusion into today’s starting XI will come as a surprise to many but upon further reflection it has been some time coming.
The young talent is a regular in Arne Slot’s first-team training sessions and has impressed with his showings.
The promising younger winger came through the youth academy at Chelsea before he linked up with the Merseyside club
Since linking up with the Reds in September, he has contributed four assists in the Under-18s Premier league and UEFA youth League
Speaking ahead of the third round clash against Acrrington Stanley, Slot said this about the teenage winger.
‘Rio only once [featured in the squad before], Southampton away I think, but these players are doing really well when they train with us.
‘They are doing really well when they play with the U21s.
‘So as long as they keep doing that, their chances of getting their moment in the first team will increase of course.’