Ahead of their Premier League match against Aston Villa, Liverpool’s Friday training session gave fans a glimpse of 16-year-old academy star Rio Ngumoha. The talented forward, who was signed from Chelsea during the summer, was seen training with the first-team squad under manager Arne Slot. This training session took place just before the Reds’ final match before the November international break. A win over Villa would not only provide Liverpool with a chance to strengthen their position at the top of the Premier League but also extend their lead over Manchester City by four points and Arsenal by 10, provided other results go in their favor.
The training session included all the usual first-team stars, with the exception of the injured Alisson Becker, Diogo Jota, Federico Chiesa, and Harvey Elliott. However, it was Ngumoha, and not big names like Mohamed Salah or Luis Diaz, who stood out. The teenager has already made an impression as one of the most exciting young talents in English football, and his inclusion in the first-team training sessions added to the buzz surrounding his potential.
The move to Liverpool has sparked frustration at Chelsea, with club officials reportedly “seething” over the transfer. According to The Athletic, Chelsea even retaliated by denying Liverpool scouts accreditation for youth matches, an action seen as an industry move to express their displeasure. Since joining Liverpool in September, Ngumoha has mainly been developing his skills with Barry Lewtas’ Under-21s in the UEFA Youth League and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson’s Under-18s in the Premier League U18. However, his inclusion in the senior squad recently speaks volumes about the club’s high expectations for his future.
Ngumoha has shown confidence in his own abilities, stating recently, “I truly believe I can win the Ballon d’Or one day. I want to be regarded as one of the best players to ever play football and be a legend of the game.” This belief, combined with his rapid development, suggests that Liverpool sees a real star in the making, and Ngumoha’s future at the club could be very bright.
