“Getting a win for him means it’s a special day” - Liverpool boss Arne Slot comments on performance from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha in 4-0 win
Liverpool boss Arne Slot has hailed teenager Rio Ngumoha's debut for the side today as a "special day".
The 16-year-old started for the Reds at Anfield today against Accrington Stanley in the third round of the FA Cup and lasted 72 minutes. He was subbed off for another young gun, Jayden Danns.
Coming through the ranks at Chelsea academy, Ngumoha joined Liverpool last year and continued his development there. On December 18, he received his first senior team call-up for the Carabao Cup game againsr SOuthampton. But he remained an unused substitute.
Tonight, however, Ngumoha was finally given the chance to make his first-team debut, and looked bright in their victory. Slot even heaped praise on the 16-year-old in his post-match remarks.
Speaking to the press after the game, he stated (via The Standard):
"I think he showed the fans what we have seen when he has trained with us. It's always nice for him to show this the first time you play [at Anfield] - getting a win for him means it's a special day."
According to stats from Sofascore, Ngumoha attempted seven dribbles on the night, as the young boy posed a big threat on the ball. He even attempted nine ground duels in a telling effort to regain possession, while also attempting two shots in the match.
Liverpool will return to action on Tuesday against Nottingham Forest in the Premier League.
Federico Chiesa scores first goal for Liverpool
To continue the story of 'firsts' at Anfield tonight, Federico Chiesa bagged his first goal for Liverpool. The Italian came off the bench and in the 90th minute, received a ball from Trey Nyoni from 18 yards out.
Chiesa then struck it low which found the bottom corner and made it 4-0 for the home side. While it wasn't his first Liverpool game, but the first appearance in the Carabao Cup, and the former Juventus star managed to mark it with a sweet strike too.
A recurring muscle injury saw the 27-year-old miss out on a large chunk of the first half of Liverpool's campaign. But now having bagged a goal, Chiesa would hope it's the start of a strong run as the season fixture list gets congested hereon.
