16-year-old Engumoha received Slotte Critics

Rookies continue to shine on the adult stage

Liverpool's 16-year-old winger Ngumoha is attracting more and more attention at Anfield Stadium due to his remarkable performance in the preseason, which may accelerate his progress into the first team. The young winger performed well in the Reds' recent 2-4 loss to AC Milan in Hong Kong, China, and especially showed maturity beyond age in his active performance in the first half.

Although the game result was not satisfactory, the sharpness and offensive intentions shown by the young winger will undoubtedly cheer the Liverpool coaching staff. He assisted the team's first goal and continued to create threats on the left. Previously, he scored a goal in the closed-door warm-up match against Stoke City last week, further proving that he is ready to go to a higher stage.

With multiple main players absent and an important winger in the team's future is uncertain due to rumors of Bayern Munich, Ngumoha makes full use of the number of opportunities gained in the pre-season preparation plan of new coach Slott.

The adult team made its debut early, and its confidence is increasing. Ngumoha has already had an honor: he is the second youngest player to play for Liverpool's adult team. In January this year, he started in the third round of the FA Cup against Ackerlington Stanley. Getting into first-team games so early will only increase confidence in him becoming a long-term asset to the club.

The support from teammates in the team is obvious. Elliot, who also became famous at a young age and made his debut in the Reds when he was the same age as the same age in 2019, once highly praised the young player's mentality and potential. "He's fearless," Elliot told the club media. "He looks like a kid playing in the park. He's really a kid. But being able to perform like this against a team like Milan says it all."

Elliot emphasized the collective efforts of the team to help Ngumoha integrate into the first-team environment: "We make sure he feels he's part of the team. He's not just making up the numbers, he can come because he deserves it."

First-team opportunities are near, with the tactical adjustments of Liverpool under Slot's rule, and the fact that many first-team players are unable to play or may leave the team for various reasons, Ngumoha's rise coincides with the club's transition period. His keenness when holding the ball, his understanding of space and his natural aura have made him a strong contender for more playing time in the new season.

Elliott is optimistic about the winger's future: "There are not many 16- or 7-year-olds who can play at this level," he said. "But it's no accident that he can be here. As long as he continues to do what he does now, everything will come naturally."

Slott conducted a position experiment in the preseason, and players including Elliott himself tried new roles. In the match against Milan, the England youth international team teamed up with the club's record-breaking signings to Werz as one of the double midfielders.

Preseason experience helps young talents grow

Despite the defensive loopholes and the pain of tactical running-in period, Liverpool's preseason provides valuable learning opportunities, especially for new stars like Ngumoha. Milan scored three goals with a counterattack opportunity, plus a mistake at the end of the game that led to a final defeat, but the team's focus is still on exercise rather than results.

Elliott was very pragmatic in his post-match reflection: "We tried the new system and played in different positions. It is better to make mistakes now than to make mistakes after the official game begins. Especially for young players, this is a must-have path to growth."

As Liverpool prepares for the new season, all signs indicate that Ngumoha will appear in the first team more frequently. His budding out, coupled with the support of veteran players like Elliott, presupposes he could be a key figure in the coming months. Not only will it focus on the future, but it will also affect the present.