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Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha has been tipped for big things(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp may have played a key role in convincing Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha to leave Chelsea last year.

Amid a busy summer where the Reds have splurged £265million on seven new additions, 16-year-old Ngumoha has been the name on everyone’s lips.

As Liverpool say goodbye to the Far East, the teenage prodigy has arguably come away from the tour as the player to benefit the most, having seized his opportunity and staked his claim for a key place in Arne Slot’s squad this season.

Ngumoha showcased his exceptional talent again on Wednesday against Yokohama F.

Showing the same bravery and technical skills on the ball that he’s demonstrated already in pre-season, the youngster scored an outstanding solo goal, enhancing his growing reputation.

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If not for his emergence, there undoubtedly would have been more of a rush to bring in a left winger to replace Luis Diaz, whose move to Bayern Munich was confirmed this week.

He was part of Liverpool’s youth set-up last season, and the Daily Mail previously reported that Ngumoha decided to join Liverpool after being motivated by the pathway Klopp offered young players at the club.

The report points to the Reds' victory over Chelsea in the 2024 Carabao Cup final, mere months before his move, which saw several of Liverpool's academy stars take centre stage at Wembley Stadium, as a key reason for wanting to sign for the Reds.

Article continues belowJurgen Klopp's trust in youth players paid off(Image: Getty Images)

Klopp handed opportunities to Jayden Danns, Bobby Clark and James McConnell at Wembley, while Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley were regularly part of the first-team squad in the 2023/24 season.

And none were more crestfallen than Blues legend John Terry, an academy coach with Chelsea, whose high praise of the teenager was a clue as to what he could go on to achieve.

“Good luck mate," was the former England and Chelsea captain’s reply to Ngumoha's Instagram post that confirmed his belated arrival as a Liverpool player last summer.

He added: “This boy is and will be a top top player."

Chelsea were gutted to lose Ngumoha(Image: Instagram/Riongumoha)

Despite those comments and the hype that has gathered around the player in recent weeks, Slot is keen to keep Ngumoha's feet on the ground, stressing that his decision-making can still improve following Wednesday’s match.

"He wasn't the only one that impacted the game from the bench because Trey Nyoni, also a youngster, scored [and was] assisted by Jeremie Frimpong," said the Reds boss.

"In the first goal, I think Curtis Jones played a big part by winning the ball in the midfield.
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