Young Stars Earn Liverpool First-Team Call-Ups

Slot Outlines Development Path for Ngumoha and Nyoni

Liverpool manager **Arne Slot** has confirmed that emerging talents **Rio Ngumoha** and **Trey Nyoni** will be integrated into the first-team squad for the upcoming season, emphasizing their potential and the crucial developmental steps they need to take.

Academy Graduates Ready for Senior Stage

Both **Ngumoha**, who will be 17 by September, and **Nyoni**, turning 18, are considered genuine options for the senior team. They have impressed after finding their footing within the academy and gaining experience with the first team during pre-season fixtures.

Ngumoha has particularly caught the eye with his spectacular solo goals against Yokohama F. Marinos and Athletic Club. **Nyoni**, meanwhile, has showcased poise and technical quality.

Speaking ahead of the Community Shield match against Crystal Palace, **Slot** shared his expectations for their progression.

“You never know how an individual handles a situation. It was a year ago when **Trey Nyoni** scored a goal, I think against Sevilla, when he was also only 17 – very young! So they have an incredible chance to work and be everyday around players like **Virgil van Dijk**, **Mo Salah** and all these players, to see what they do to be ready to perform every three days.”

—Arne Slot, Liverpool Head Coach

The manager stressed the importance of adapting to the high intensity of senior professional football. He noted that even established 22-24 year-old signings find the demands challenging, making it even more critical to carefully manage the transition for 16 and 17-year-olds.

“That is a step these players definitely have to make, which is completely normal if you are 16 or 17. It’s already nice if they can play once a week at a good level and we just try to develop them in the best way we can. But we also have to take care of them, because new players that come in who are 24, 23, 22 already experience that the intensity levels are quite high, let alone players that are 16 and coming through the academy.”

—Arne Slot, Liverpool Head Coach

**Slot** added, “So we are aware of that, but it’s been a promising start for [Rio], like for **Trey Nyoni** as well. I think **Trey** also played a good game at Anfield.”

Pathway Cleared Amidst Transfer Activity

Liverpool has reportedly made a conscious effort to avoid hindering the development of these young prospects during a busy summer transfer window. The potential sale of **Luis Diaz** to Bayern Munich could open up more first-team opportunities for **Ngumoha**. **Nyoni**’s versatility in midfield and defence also positions him for potential call-ups.

Their continued involvement will hinge on their training performance and the club’s fixture schedule, especially in domestic cup competitions. The progression of **Ngumoha** and **Nyoni** marks a significant early stage of **Slot**’s tenure.

The integration of young players into top-tier squads is becoming increasingly common, with Barcelona’s **Lamine Yamal**, who made his senior debut at 15, a prime example of a teenager thriving at the highest level (FC Barcelona).