Ifeanyi Ndukwe shows why Liverpool are convinced by him with big moment during Vienna derby

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Liverpool supporters may have forgotten that they have one of the most highly-rated young centre-backs in Europe joining them this summer.

No, we’re not talking about Jeremy Jacquet, who is set to slide straight into the Reds’ first-team, but Ifeanyi Ndukwe, the 18-year-old signed from Austria Vienna in January.

There are high hopes for Ndukwe to eventually become a senior option for Arne Slot, and as his move to Liverpool draws nearer, the Austrian enjoyed a big moment on Sunday as he made his senior debut in the Vienna derby.

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Ndukwe makes senior debut in massive match

Although big things are expected of him – and Liverpool paid a significant fee to bring him to Anfield – Ndukwe had still been playing reserve team football up until Sunday.

Though that still quantifies as men’s football in Austria due to the structuring of the leagues, Ndukwe would have been itching to get his senior debut. On Sunday, away at arch-rivals Rapid Vienna, it finally arrived.

It may have been as a 90th minute substitute, but the moment was still a big step in the career of the soon-to-be Liverpool youngster.

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He came on to help his team see out the game and secure a 2-0 win, underlining the faith his coaches have in him and showing that Liverpool may be on to a winner.

While many of his new colleagues will be away at the World Cup this summer, Ndukwe has a chance to impress Slot this pre-season.

Mor Talla Ndiaye joined in January with a similarly big reputation, and has already been named on the bench twice in the Premier League. With Ndukwe supposedly an even bigger prospect, he will likely have his eye on breaking into the set-up sooner rather than later.

Sunday was the first step on the road to what will hopefully be a long and successful career with Liverpool. With one game left to play in Austria’s season, Ndukwe could yet get the chance to build on his debut appearance before he gets going with the move of his young life.