View: Liverpool youth star could be fast-tracked after what happened on Friday
Rio Ngumoha could enjoy a fast track through the Liverpool ranks after the youngster was called up to the England Under-17s side.
The Reds confirmed the news on Friday [18 October], with Ngumoha set to join the national side in Malta next week for three U17 European Championship qualifier ties.
Arne Slot oversaw an exodus of academy talent throughout the summer as he stamped his mark on Merseyside. Those who remained are considered the best of the best and Ngumoha could be the poster child of the AXA Training Centre.
Rio Ngumoha could become a generational talent at Liverpool
The 16-year-old has somewhat started a feud between Liverpool and Chelsea, albeit through no fault of his own, through his decision to switch Cobham for Kirkby.
His reputation precedes him. Ngumoha has already integrated himself into the Under-21s side on Merseyside, and it is becoming increasingly obvious why Chelsea valued him as the gem of the academy set up in West London.
Liverpool are rebuilding the youth ranks with Ngumoha at the centre of plans alongside Trey Nyoni, who was recently rewarded for his development with his first professional contract at Anfield.
Slot will surely be keeping a close eye on the pair this year. The Reds face a difficult run of fixtures after the international break starting with Chelsea, and with a few minor injury concerns heading into the match at Anfield, the squad is thinning out.
Last term, Jurgen Klopp relied on his academy prospects to ease the injury burden on his squad. As the old saying goes, if you’re good enough you’re old enough and it could be the case that the Liverpool supporters will have a chance to see Ngumoha this season.
All the youngster can do is continue on this upward trajectory as no other player of his age has made the waves he has in a long time. The Reds can rest assured one of the brightest prospects in the country is on Merseyside.
In other Liverpool news, the Reds are in line for a financial windfall after the latest Anfield announcement.
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