Teenage talent Ngumoha has been in and around the Liverpool first team squad lately. Liverpool FC via Getty Images There’s a refreshing burst of energy on the left side of Liverpool’s offensive line, and the person responsible is 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha. Youth-team talent Ngumoha is yet to sign a professional contract with the Reds, but he may not have to wait long after his 17th birthday if his preseason performances continue. Arriving from the bench in a run-out against Yokohama F. Marinos in Japan, the 16-year-old powered forward and netted Liverpool’s third goal in an eventually comfortable 3-1 win. Wednesday’s goal was pretty timely, too. The same day, Colombian winger Luis Díaz, who plays on the same flank as Ngumoha, officially joined Bayern Munich, closing a successful three-and-a-half-year spell at Anfield. Ngumoha has impressed since arriving at the club. The next question is whether he’s already good enough to challenge Cody Gakpo for minutes this coming season. Or, if Liverpool brings in a Díaz replacement available on the market. England-born Ngumoha joined Liverpool’s ranks from Chelsea last September—reportedly for a six-figure fee—after the Premier League approved the youngster’s transfer. Four months on, he made his senior debut against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, shortly before making coach Arne Slot’s squad for the Champions League knockout rounds. At this point, the natural progression is getting a proper taste of soccer at the highest level. Ngumoha Stakes His Claim Academy signings rarely generate much hype, and the player of the tournament from the Under-16 Nationals competition in 2023 remains inexperienced and has a lot to improve on. However, why Liverpool sought him is becoming more apparent by the day. Liverpool coach Arne Slot has another forward option in Ngumoha. Liverpool FC via Getty Images MORE FOR YOU Wingers are a specific type in soccer; many are supremely talented yet wasteful, and only those with an excellent output are the best in class. If Ngumoha adds to his sharp turn of pace by becoming an all-rounder, much like Sadio Mané was, then he will be the real deal. Based on recent displays, he has these gears. Still, there’s always a temptation, given Ngumoha’s tender age and lack of senior soccer credentials, for Liverpool to send the number 73 out on loan. The Merseysiders have already chosen that pathway for midfielders such as Stefan Bajcetic and Ben Doak, and that outcome would perhaps better structure his development. On the other hand, the Liverpool coaches may relish further targeted work on Ngumoha, intent on seeing how he does when thrown in at the deep end. Talking about the value of a lively academy talent like Ngumoha—who’s described training with the stars as every kid’s dream—after the match at Nissan Stadium, Slot said, “It’s always nice to see young players from 16, 17, or 18 years old already impacting a game. But there was also a moment in the game where he should have squared it to Macca (Alexis Mac Allister) or Curtis (Jones). So (there are) also learning points for him—but if you’re 16 and can impact a game like he did, that’s definitely worth a compliment.” Ngumoha’s next opportunity to impress comes at Anfield on Monday, when Liverpool twice face La Liga side Athletic Club, a club heartened by keeping its own quick dynamo in Nico Williams this transfer window. The same will apply to 18-year-old teammate Trey Nyoni, who also got on the scoresheet in Japan and has a big future. Another promising contribution from Ngumoha and Nyoni will give Slot a welcome selection headache. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions