Liverpool star's reaction to 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha's debut in FA Cup win speaks volumes

Rio Ngumoha made his senior Liverpool debut against Accrington Stanley (Image: Getty)

Liverpool star Jayden Danns said he was 'proud' of Rio Ngumoha after starting alongside the 16-year-old against Accrington Stanley.

Ngumoha made his senior debut in the FA Cup on Saturday and become the Reds' youngest-ever starter. Fans believe they have a future star in the 2008-born winger, and Danns' comments suggest that the players feel the same way.

"Wow," he told ITV after scoring in a 4-0 win. "As soon as he came in he was lightning and I am so proud of him."

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Liverpool boss Arne Slot, who praised Ngumoha's fearless approach to first-team training prior to kick-off, also shared words of encouragement once the victory was safe and secure.

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"He did well," said the Dutchman. "There were a few moments where fans can see why we think he is a talent. It's nice to make your debut, have a win, and make a few actions for the fans to see."

Once Diogo Jota and Trent Alexander-Arnold had popped up with first-half goals to set Liverpool on their way, it turned into a day for Liverpool's fringe players to impress. Danns found the net for his third senior goal in just over 100 minutes of action, before Federico Chiesa bagged the Reds' fourth with his first goal at Anfield.

Jayden Danns netted his third Liverpool goal against Accrington Stanley on Saturday (Image: Getty) SUBSCRIBE Invalid email

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Danns, who himself is only 18, is hungry for more. "I'm delighted to get my goal," he told ITV. "I've been out for a while, five months. First-team football is a different intensity to any other football. I made an impact last season, I am young and there's a lot more to do and a lot more I can do."

Liverpool are safely through to the FA Cup fourth round and Slot will be glad to see players lower down his pecking order get a run-out. But he wants supporters to keep their feet on the ground considering they were always likely to get past fourth-tier Accrington.

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On Chiesa getting off the mark on Merseyside, he said: "It is definitely a good first step, but as much as I liked the way Accrington Stanley played we have to take into consideration that we're talking about League Two level.

"It is good to have him back on the pitch. He was a threat, but let's not get carried away. Credit to them, I think they showed their style of play, which is a big compliment. In the end, of course, the difference in quality makes a big difference for us."

Liverpool star's reaction to 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha's debut in FA Cup win speaks volumes

Liverpool star's reaction to 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha's debut in FA Cup win speaks volumes

Liverpool star's reaction to 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha's debut in FA Cup win speaks volumes

Liverpool star's reaction to 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha's debut in FA Cup win speaks volumes

Liverpool star's reaction to 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha's debut in FA Cup win speaks volumes