Arne Slot's inclusion of Rio Ngumoha in Liverpool's starting line-up for their 4-0 FA Cup third round win over Accrington Stanley on Saturday lunchtime was a landmark decision.
At the tender age of 16 years and 135 days, Ngumoha was given the chance to become the youngest player ever to feature for Liverpool in FA Cup. Considering that the historic giants of English football have competed in the oldest football competition in the world since the year of their formation in 1892, Ngumoha's feat is remarkable.
The fleet-footed striker is not the youngest player ever to play in a competitive game for the Reds – that honor goes to Jerome Sinclair, who came on for the last nine minutes of a League Cup tie against West Bromwich Albion in 2012 only six. days after he turned 16 years old.
Sinclair went on to make just four more appearances for Liverpoolsenior team and had retired from professional football before his 25th birthday.
A new Reds record at #EmiratesFACup 💫 pic.twitter.com/fOcsZfCiQu
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) January 11, 2025
Ngumoha is expected to enjoy a much more impressive career. Once a product of Chelsea's venerable academy system, Liverpool is said to have had to break up their wage structure to lure the talented teenager to Merseyside in September.
The England youth international has already made five appearances in the prestigious UEFA Youth League, providing two assists in one youth replay. Champions League which is usually the home of 18-year-olds.
Rather than looking at Sinclair's worrying precedent, Ngumoha can take solace in the identity of Liverpool's third youngest player – his team-mate Harvey Elliott. Although the desperate forward hasn't played as much as many might have hoped – which is largely down to injury problems – the 21-year-old still has a bright future ahead of him. Although, it may not be with Liverpool.
It would be understandable if Ngumoha was terrified in front of the Anfield faithful on his first bow in a red shirt. But there was no sign of nerves from the teenager, who immediately clashed with Accrington right-back Donald Love.
Ngumoha's tenacity and guile were on display during a hugely encouraging first-half outing. Lightning quick feet and audacity in possession often saw Liverpool supporters on the edge of their seats, with few debutants capable of enthralling 60,000 fans at such a young age.
The second half was quieter for Ngumoha. The introduction of Federico Chiesa in the first half saw most of Liverpool's attacks forged down the right, with the academy product seeing less of the ball than he had during the early proceedings. Still, it was a live net when in possession.
Substituted in the 72nd minute for goalscorer Jayden Danns, Ngumoha finished the game completing more successful dribbles (3) than any other player on the pitch, as well as registering two tackles and five touches in the Accrington penalty area. Only three Liverpool players boasted a higher number of expected assists than the 0.14 he had coming in at the full whistle.
Slott's bold decision to include Ngumoha in the starting XI paid off and the Dutchman was full of praise for Liverpool's summer recruit at the end of the game.
“I think he's been with us now for half a season. Every time he comes to training with us, we see what his qualities are. He can dominate one-on-one situations, he's very quick on his feet, he can change directions very quickly”, said Slot.
“And I'm always happy if a player makes his debut that he shows what we see on the training ground as well, so the fans can see it. And I think the fans liked what they saw; you can feel that in stadium in the first half already and when I took it out, (from) the reaction of the fans I think you could see that they liked what they saw too.
“So, a special day for him – making your debut, win. He'll sleep well tonight, I suppose.”