Robbie Fowler delivers ‘refreshing’ verdict on Rio Ngumoha’s Liverpool debut against Accrington Stanley

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Liverpool were comfortable winners in the FA Cup third round on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds were heavy favourites heading into the game as they faced Accrington Stanley for only the second time in their history.

With Liverpool in the midst of a slightly difficult run of form – and with Nottingham Forest away to come on Tuesday – Arne Slot was always going to rotate his team.

While that had been expected, it was still a slight surprise to see 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha named in the starting line-up.

Ngumoha has been impressing in the academy and was always likely to make the matchday squad. But to see the former Chelsea prospect named on the teamsheet was not something that had been in the script.

And after Ngumoha impressed during the first-half, Reds legend Robbie Fowler gave his verdict on what he’d seen from the youngster.

Robbie Fowler delivers Rio Ngumoha verdict

It had long been expected that Ngumoha would be making his debut at some stage this season.

The teenager is incredibly highly rated and has been causing excitement around the club ever since his arrival over the summer.

Nevertheless, Saturday’s game was likely the first time the majority of Liverpool fans saw Ngumoha playing live.

Speaking on ITV at half-time, Fowler admitted that he was in that camp himself and gave his verdict on what he’d seen from the winger.

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“This is the first time I’ve seen him in the flesh,” said the pundit. “It is refreshing, you get a young kid and he’s not afraid to want the ball in tight situations and he’s not afraid to go at players, which is very different in the modern game.

“He’s got the confidence to run at players whether it’s one or two.”

Ngumoha not the only impressive youngster

While the headlines were obviously around Ngumoha on Saturday, he was far from being the only young Liverpool player who impressed.

Tyler Morton was excellent in midfield again, as was James McConnell when he came on as a substitute for the No.80.

Trey Nyoni impressed with a cameo as well, while Jayden Danns enhanced his burgeoning reputation with another goal in Liverpool red.

All round, it was a superb day for the Liverpool academy, with Slot shown that he can rely on the kids at his disposal if needs be.