Featured Image Credit: Getty Images
Topics: Liverpool, Arne Slot, Premier League
Jack Kenmare
In an effort to contain the hype surrounding one of their most talented youngsters, Liverpool decided to 'delete and edit' footage from their training sessions as the teenager continued to 'terrorise' first-team players.
It has been a busy transfer window for Arne Slot's side, who have added Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong to their ranks as they prepare to defend their Premier League crown.
They could even bolster their ranks further with the addition of Alexander Isak, although the Reds had a bid worth up to £110 million rejected last week as Newcastle face a huge task to keep the Sweden international.
But even with all the additions, one of the biggest talking points from this summer has been the performances of 16-year-old forward Rio Ngumoha.
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Ngumoha has stolen the show on a number of occasions in pre-season, with his latest performance in their 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao grabbing the headlines after he netted just two minutes into the game at Anfield.
The fearless winger, who won't turn 17 until the end of the month, picked up the ball inside his own half before running a considerable distance past the visitors defence. He then opened his body up and side-footed a well-placed shot into the far corner.
So far, Ngumoha has scored two goals and provided two assists across his four appearances in pre-season – a run of form that has made him one of the most talked-about talents in England and beyond.
Liverpool, meanwhile, are keen to manage expectations as the teenager regularly terrorises first team players in training.
That's according to a report Anfield Watch, who suggest the club have previously deleted and edited out footage of his performances from the Inside Training video series in a bid to 'contain the hype' surrounding one of their biggest talents.
As an academy coach, John Terry previously worked closely with Ngumoha during his spell at Chelsea, where he spent eight years before joining Liverpool in 2024.
Chelsea were reportedly 'seething' with Liverpool for taking away their 'generational talent', according to the Daily Mail. In fact, they are said to have refused to grant Liverpool scouts accreditation to attend youth-team games.
Terry, meanwhile, made a bold prediction regarding Ngumoha's future.
Taking to Instagram as the teenager confirmed his departure from Stamford Bridge, the former defender wrote: “Good luck mate" before adding: "This boy is and will be a top top player."