Arne Slot humbles Rio Ngumoha as Liverpool teenager shines in pre-season

Liverpool are poised to smash through the £300million barrier in the summer transfer window - yet it's a youngster recruited 12 months ago who has stolen the spotlight during pre-season. Manager Arne Slot sensibly attempted to dampen the mounting excitement following a breathtaking individual goal from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha in Japan.

However, on the same day Luis Diaz made his exit and left-wing alternatives are being explored, the former Chelsea academy talent sparkled in a 3-1 win over Yokohama F. Marinos. Florian Wirtz, the £116million sensation from Bayer Leverkusen, also netted his maiden goal in Liverpool colours during what proved a valuable exercise on a questionable surface in the Far East. That strike served as the leveller following Asahi Uenaka's 55th-minute breakthrough for the J1 League outfit.

Youngsters Trey Nyoni and Ngumoha both found the net in a thrilling second period as Liverpool waved goodbye to the Far East. Ngumoha has undoubtedly seized his opportunity on tour to stake his claim for senior involvement in the approaching campaign.

Liverpool have Cody Gakpo as a left-flank alternative during Diaz's absence, whilst £79million acquisition Hugo Ekitike could be deployed there too if, as anticipated, Alexander Isak arrives later in this window to assume the central striker position.

Yet Ngumoha is regarded highly at Liverpool as one of the nation's most thrilling talents and Slot must maintain strict control over escalating expectations surrounding him. And he was keen to stress that the teenager's decision-making can still improve despite his prodigious abilities.

"He wasn't the only one that impacted the game from the bench because Trey Nyoni, also a youngster, scored [and was] assisted by Jeremie Frimpong," said the Reds boss who was keen to keep Ngumoha humble.

"In the first goal, I think Curtis Jones played a big part by winning the ball in the midfield. Rio again showed the quality he has and that's nice for us because we have a lot of very good players.

"But to get some very good players through the academy is always helpful and always gives energy to a team as well. It's always nice to see young players from 16, 17 or 18 years old already impacting a game.

"There was also a moment in the game where he should have squared it to Macca [Alexis Mac Allister] or Curtis. So, [there were] also learning parts for him.

"If you are 16 and you can impact the game like he did, that's definitely worth a compliment."

Meanwhile, Liverpool's sporting director Richard Hughes will press ahead with efforts to secure fresh recruits, whilst Slot continues his preparations for the upcoming campaign with two friendlies against Athletic Bilbao on Monday.

The Reds then face Crystal Palace in the Community Shield before launching their Premier League title defence at home to Bournemouth on Friday, August 15. Slot continued: "There are no moments to enjoy what we did last season.

"So, our full focus is now on this season and how we, I need to prepare the players for another tough season.

"Because I thought last season was already tough but if you look at what all the Premier League teams are doing, the Premier League is even going to get stronger than last season."