When Ngumoha chose to leave Chelsea for Liverpool last year, the London club were furious that they were losing one of England’s brightest young talents. Since his arrival, he has shown why there was such disappointment in west London, impressing Liverpool’s senior and academy coaching staff in training sessions and matches for various age groups.

On Monday 4 August, Liverpool played two pre-season games against Athletic Bilbao at Anfield. The games had different starting XIs with a mix of senior players and potential first team starters combining with fringe members of the squad in order to give Arne Slot a better feel for how his players are coping ahead of the start of the new season.

Rio Ngumoha is making his mark during preseason for Arne Slot’s Liverpool, so much so that he may have a part to play sooner rather than later.