It’s just a matter of time before Rio Ngumoha makes his Liverpool debut and it could come later this month

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Liverpool have not seen quite as much of their academy youngsters as might have been expected this season.

The Reds have got a number of impressive prospects on their books, many of whom were given chances in the team by Jurgen Klopp last year.

But while some may have expected the Liverpool academy starlets to kick on under Arne Slot, it hasn’t quite happened just yet.

There are reasons for that, of course. Slot has been trying to get a handle on the Liverpool squad and has quickly established a core of 15 or 16 players who he relies upon.

With Liverpool going so well on all fronts, there has not been much opportunity – or any real need – to throw young players into that equation.

Nevertheless, the talent is still there. In fact, with hot prospect Rio Ngumoha added to the mix last summer, there is even more available. And with Ngumoha impressing in the underage sides so far this season, he is now reportedly closing in on a first-team debut.

Rio Ngumoha closing in on first-team debut

Ngumoha created plenty of headlines when he swapped Chelsea for Liverpool in 2024.

Chelsea were furious with Liverpool for poaching one of their best young prospects and despite being just 16-years-old, Ngumoha has already trained with the senior squad.

Liverpool U21 coach Barry Lewtas has called Ngumoha ‘fantastic‘ and the winger seems destined for a bright future in the game.

He already had his first proper involvement with the first-team in December, when Ngumoha made the bench for the Carabao Cup win over Southampton.

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And according to GOAL, it is now ‘considered a matter of time’ at Liverpool before the tricky forward player makes his senior debut for the Reds.

It’s claimed that although Liverpool coaching staff are keen for Ngumoha to develop at his own pace, it’s also suggested that the FA Cup tie against Accrington Stanley could see Slot rest most of his senior players and turn to youngsters such as Rio.

Ngumoha should get Accrington chance

During his time as Liverpool head coach so far, Slot has shown that he he is not a big fan of huge rotation.

Unlike, say, Rafa Benitez, it’s clear that the Dutchman will keep as many senior players on the pitch as possible for domestic cup ties.

Having said that, Liverpool have not yet faced any team outside of the Premier League in the cup. That will change when League One Accrington visit Anfield on January the 11th.

If Ngumoha was deemed ready enough to be on the bench for Southampton, then you’d imagine that he’d be closer to getting on the pitch against Accrington.

While Slot has plenty of forward options and it should be more of a priority to get minutes into Federico Chiesa, we’d still like to see Ngumoha make that all important first appearance at some stage of the Accrington game.