Liverpool have developed a habit of signing some of the brightest young prospects in the country, and they continue to build on that trend.
Ever since they brought a 16-year-old Harvey Elliott to Anfield in 2019, the Reds have consistently attracted top teenage talent from across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.
The list includes names like Kaide Gordon, Bobby Clark, Ben Doak, Trent Kone-Doherty, Trey Nyoni, and Amara Nallo.
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Who is Rio Ngumoha?
The latest addition to this impressive roster is Rio Ngumoha, who is set to make his debut for the U18’s this weekend, Ngumoha represents a significant step forward for Liverpool.
While they’ve previously recruited from clubs like Derby County, Fulham, Newcastle United, Celtic, Leicester City, and West Ham, this time Liverpool have managed to sign one of Chelsea’s top prospects—a direct rival in the Premier League.
Ngumoha’s arrival is especially notable because he was one of Chelsea’s most exciting talents. Since joining their academy, whispers of his potential spread quickly through the club. Last season, at just 15 years old, he was already training with Mauricio Pochettino’s first team—a rare opportunity for a player so young, reserved only for those with exceptional talent.
In an era where teenagers like Lamine Yamal are making headlines, Ngumoha’s rise is still remarkable. It’s easy to understand why Chelsea are frustrated about losing him to Liverpool, and why the Reds were willing to break their academy wage structure to bring him to their Kirkby base.
Even former Chelsea captain John Terry has praised Ngumoha, commending Liverpool for their smart acquisition. The decision may also reflect Ngumoha’s desire for clearer pathways to first-team football, something Liverpool have showcased in recent years.
Last season’s Carabao Cup final illustrated this difference in approach. While the age profiles of both Liverpool and Chelsea’s squads weren’t drastically different, Chelsea featured just three academy graduates in the final.
In contrast, Liverpool fielded seven—more than double. Chelsea’s younger players were mostly high-priced signings, with Moisés Caicedo being a prime example. Meanwhile, Liverpool’s academy graduates played a key role in securing victory and have continued earning first-team minutes since.
How did Liverpool secure Ngumoha?
Liverpool’s academy work under the leadership of Alex Inglethorpe has been instrumental in these successes. Inglethorpe has revitalised the system over the last decade, creating a structure that not only produces talent but also attracts it. Bringing in a player of Ngumoha’s quality from a direct rival like Chelsea is testament to that.
At Chelsea, Ngumoha drew comparisons to another academy star they lost early—Jamal Musiala. Like Musiala, Ngumoha is a natural dribbler, making it look effortless.
For England’s U16 team last year, he averaged an impressive 12.91 dribbles per 90 minutes over 11 games, with a completion rate of 63.6%. Even in a 5-2 defeat to Arsenal in May, Ngumoha was a bright spark for Chelsea, completing eight out of 13 dribbles and causing constant problems for the opposition despite limited possession.
The footwork here is world class Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni will be our next Yamal and Musiala 🔥
– Wednesday, 4 September 2024
Predominantly right-footed, Ngumoha is comfortable cutting inside or taking on defenders down the wing, but he’s most effective when drifting into central areas.
His ability to navigate tight spaces allows him to create goal-scoring opportunities, both for himself and his teammates. On his U18 debut for Chelsea last December, he scored and assisted in a 3-2 win over Southampton. For England’s U16s, he averaged 0.84 goal contributions per 90 minutes, scoring twice and providing three assists in 537 minutes.
Ngumoha’s intelligence on the field also sets him apart. He knows when to attempt a dribble and when to release the ball, ensuring he is effective in possession. His 3.18 passes into the penalty area per 90 for England’s U16 side demonstrate his creative vision as well.
What’s next for the youngster?
While the excitement around Ngumoha’s potential is palpable, expectations should be tempered. He’s still young, and Liverpool will carefully manage his progression.
Like Harvey Elliott, Kaide Gordon, Ben Doak, and Bobby Clark before him, Ngumoha is expected to start with the U18s and gradually move through the ranks.
The hope is that Ngumoha will follow in the footsteps of these young stars, but patience will be key. He will need to prove himself every step of the way. If there’s one thing that’s certain, though, he’s in the best possible environment for his development. Liverpool have pulled off a major coup in signing Ngumoha, further solidifying the rise of their academy under Alex Inglethorpe’s leadership.
