Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni may only have featured for 30 minutes against Yokohama, but it was enough to leave an impression and hopes for what may come in the 2025/26 season.
Arne Slot‘s pre-season squad is not as youthful as we have grown to expect over the years, but Nyoni, 18, and Ngumoha, 16, headlined the prospects on Liverpool’s trip to Asia.
Expectations will be tempered, largely for the latter, but their showings in Liverpool’s latest friendly underlined why there are high hopes for what they can offer.
The duo both got on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win against Yokohama, with Nyoni striking first with a well-time run to convert Jeremie Frimpong‘s cross, while Ngumoha made it his personal mission to score.
Fearless on the ball and armed with quick changes in direction, the 16-year-old’s talent bellied his tender years and left Liverpool fans heaping praise on the club’s brightest young prospects.
There was no shortage of excitement over Rio Ngumoha…
Maybe too obvious a comparison but Ngumoah does remind me of a precocious young Sterling.
— Red (@TaintlessRed) July 30, 2025
Really hard to stay calm about Rio. Every game he's giving us something.
— Mo Stewart (@The_Mighty_Mojo) July 30, 2025
I think we can all see why Chelsea told our scouts to fuck off. Rio Ngumoha is going to be a great footballer if we look after him (which I have no doubt). #LFC
— LFCZA ?? (@LFCZA) July 30, 2025
You really try to careful about overhyping a 16-year-old and putting too much pressure on their shoulders, but what are you supposed to do when talking about Rio Ngumoha? This kid is absolutely remarkable.
— David Lynch (@davidlynchlfc) July 30, 2025
Rio Nguomha is class.
So direct/ unpredictable sending defenders to wrong way with the ball sticking to his feet.
Brilliant traits for a winger to have.He's got an insanely high ceiling. Maybe Diaz sale could open up mins for him this season.
— Alice (@AliceTalksFooty) July 30, 2025
“Rio looked very bright, again – we shouldn’t be afraid to talk up what we potentially have with him without comparing him unfairly to other players.”
– Speelautomaat in TIA comments.
“Rio is the reason we don’t need Diaz and we only need another winger if Chiesa and Harvey go.”
– Lew in TIA comments.
“Ngumoha, looks outstanding and a superb goal, just hope someone drills into him that he needs to play the pass sometimes as well, if so he could be world class.” – John Oleary in TIA comments.
Rio Ngumoha is the most promising attacking player since Raheem Sterling was in the academy. Nyoni is arguably no less exciting.
— Einar Matthías (@einarmatt) July 30, 2025
Rio would do the same to PL defenders. I don't care if it's pre season. His change of direction is ridiculous
— Sean (@SeanDOlfc) July 30, 2025
What a player Rio Nguhoma is absolutely sensational! Calling him a ‘Starboy’ feels just right because he’s shining bright and stealing the show every time he’s on the pitch.
— Nazira Yusuf (@Nazira_Yusuf22) July 30, 2025
And Trey Nyoni also earned plenty of admiration…
Nyoni looks just about ready to replace Jones imo. Both him and Rio deserve serious minutes next season. Have a feeling they’ll both rise to first team level rapidly like Sterling did.
— Achilles (@ThatGuyAchilles) July 30, 2025
Nyoni looks like a really tidy player. Somewhat forgotten with all the hype around Rio, but has definitely caught the eye over pre-season too.
— Leanne Prescott (@_lfcleanne) July 30, 2025
With all the hype around Ngumoha, we’re forgetting how good Nyoni is too.
Unbelievable talent.
— Laurie (@LFCLaurie) July 30, 2025
Trey Nyoni as well by the way… class.
Close control, excellent touches and breaking the lines. He even got a great goal.
From what I’ve seen of both of them, Frimpong should start over Bradley. I really like Frimpong’s cameos so far.
— Zaan (@ZaanTalksFooty) July 30, 2025
Rio looks the part but Trey Nyoni looks unbelievable.
The way he releases the ball so quickly is rare for his age. His timing of pass is impeccable.
— Lee Roy (@Leekeenan17) July 30, 2025
Can see why both Rio and Nyoni are loved by Slot, both have crazy potential…
— . (@abzlfc) July 30, 2025
There are always caveats when it comes to pre-season, but in Nyoni and Ngumoha Liverpool have two incredibly exciting prospects with a part to play this season.
They look like first-team footballers with the confidence to match, prepared to take the game on and take ownership.
With three matches left before the new season, a double-header against Athletic Club and the Community Shield, we will continue to see hints at Slot’s plans for the pair in the coming weeks.
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