Liverpool have prided themselves on the talent they have brought through the academy over many years.

The Reds are putting the finishing touches to their pre-season after concluding their tour of Asia, and it is safe to say that Arne Slot has some big decisions to make.

Not only did the new signings and some of the fringe players impress, but the youngsters in particular left their mark, with the manager needing to decide who deserves some minutes next season.

Every word Arne Slot said on Liverpool win vs Yokohama: Rio Ngumoha, new vice-captain, season ahead	Rio Ngumoha and Trent Alexander-Arnold have something in common as Liverpool ace sets bold target	Arne Slot humbles Rio Ngumoha as Liverpool teenager shines in pre-season

One player who has certainly done his chances no harm is 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, with the winger scoring his first goal for the club in their latest friendly against Yokohama F.

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The coaches at Liverpool are said to be shocked by the winger and how good he has been in both training and matches, with the winger sparking a debate over whether he should be the understudy to Cody Gakpo next season.

His age is a worry but if you are good enough, you are old enough, and the Reds have shown in the past for this saying to be true.

Most 16-year-old footballers are quite comfortable just playing academy football and waiting for their chance in the first team, but not Ngumoha.

He has been pushing to become a regular ever since he came through at Chelsea, and now he is at the age where it is becoming more acceptable to get a chance, he is certainly taking it.

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And, if Liverpool fans cast their minds back to a certain Michael Owen, they will remember that in the 1997/98 season, aged just 17, he became a regular in the squad.

Not only did he play, but he excelled too, with the Englishman scoring 18 goals in the league that season, proving that age is just a number.

To add to this, Raheem Sterling also became a regular in the team aged 17, with the winger playing 24 games across the 2012/13 season.

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With that being said, the Reds have shown in the past that they are willing to give players of that age a chance if they prove their worth, and Ngumoha has certainly done that so far this summer.

With Luis Diaz gone too, their options are limited, suggesting the Englishman will be called upon at times of need next season.

There were points last season where it was clear that Slot had a preferred starting XI and the opportunities he gave to youngsters were severely limited.

However, this summer has suggested that the door might be open for a few young stars, and Ngumoha has left an impression on him that he cannot ignore.

The Dutchman has been impressed by the Englishman’s performances so far and believes that he has the ability to impact games.

“We have a lot of very good players, but to get some from the academy is helpful,” Slot said after Liverpool’s victory against Yokohama F.
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