Liverpool star impressed by academy talent in pre-season | OneFootball

Ngumoha Impresses Again as Robertson Backs Liverpool Starlet After Milan Clash

Liverpool’s summer in Asia might be centred on fitness, tactics and adaptation under a new boss, but it is the emergence of Rio Ngumoha that is sparking the loudest murmurs of excitement. The 16-year-old, plucked from Chelsea’s academy, has already begun to show why Liverpool made the move. Against AC Milan in Hong Kong, he turned in another display that combined fearlessness with raw quality.

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While the 4-2 defeat to Milan will be filed away as a lesson in pre-season growing pains, Ngumoha’s first-half performance cut through the humidity. A direct winger with a low centre of gravity and the confidence to attack defenders, he has quickly established himself as one to watch on this tour. His goal in a behind-closed-doors fixture against Stoke was a sign of things to come, and this showing against the Serie A giants reinforced the message.

Robertson’s praise speaks volumes

Andy Robertson, who operated just behind Ngumoha on the left, was full of praise post-match. “No, look he’s a good kid and he’s got a fantastic head on his shoulders, and especially when he’s got people like Mo Salah who can help him so much as well,” he told The Anfield Wrap.

Robertson’s words carry weight. He has seen enough youngsters pass through the AXA Training Centre to recognise when someone has a real chance. “We always try to help him and Trey (Nyoni) you know, they’re so young but they’re such good kids and they have got a hell of a future ahead of themselves.”

Ngumoha may only be 16, but he is already showing he belongs. “Obviously that’s the last two games I’ve played now with Rio in front of me and he just keeps on coming on and he’s got a great future ahead of him but the here and now looks pretty good as well.”

Frustration and fire from Robertson

While Ngumoha made the headlines for his promise, Robertson also found himself in the spotlight for other reasons. His first-half frustration boiled over when he felt he was denied a clear penalty. Turning inside the box, Robertson went to ground under pressure and did not get the decision he expected.

“Sometimes you forget the cameras are on and I got reminded of it at half time, so I apologise for that (frustration with the referee). But I still think it was a penalty!”

That fire, though, is what has made Robertson such a mainstay in this side. His desire to win, even in a friendly, is the kind of example Ngumoha and others are learning from daily. “When I arrive in the box, which is quite rare nowadays, I thought I was clean on goal and the defender stopped me, so I thought it was a penalty but I was just ready to argue with Mo so I could take it instead of him!”

New faces, same hunger

Liverpool’s pre-season tour has featured a blend of the familiar and the fresh. While there’s no silverware at stake in these games, there is something arguably more important being formed: trust between generations. With Ngumoha shining and Robertson guiding, the squad is building its internal rhythm.

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The result against Milan matters little in the grand scheme. What does matter is how players like Ngumoha respond to the platform. With veterans offering both praise and protection, the foundations for a seamless transition are being laid.