Jurgen Klopp's role in Liverpool landing player John Terry thinks will be a world-beater

Jurgen Klopp's role in Liverpool landing player John Terry thinks will be a world-beater

Rio Ngumoha appears to have a bright future at Liverpool after impressing in pre-season, with John Terry already backing the teenager to become a star from his time at Chelsea

Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha has been tipped for big things (Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Jurgen Klopp may have played a key role in convincing Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha to leave Chelsea last year. Amid a busy summer where the Reds have splurged £265million on seven new additions, 16-year-old Ngumoha has been the name on everyone’s lips.

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As Liverpool say goodbye to the Far East, the teenage prodigy has arguably come away from the tour as the player to benefit the most, having seized his opportunity and staked his claim for a key place in Arne Slot’s squad this season.

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Ngumoha showcased his exceptional talent again on Wednesday against Yokohama F. Marinos. Showing the same bravery and technical skills on the ball that he’s demonstrated already in pre-season, the youngster scored an outstanding solo goal, enhancing his growing reputation.

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If not for his emergence, there undoubtedly would have been more of a rush to bring in a left winger to replace Luis Diaz, whose move to Bayern Munich was confirmed this week. Slot has been shown that he can rely on Ngumoha despite his tender age - and he may have his predecessor to thank for that.

Ngumoha was signed from Chelsea as a 15-year-old last summer. He had already trained with the first team at Stamford Bridge and made nine appearances for the Under-18s. He was part of Liverpool’s youth set-up last season, and the Daily Mail previously reported that Ngumoha decided to join Liverpool after being motivated by the pathway Klopp offered young players at the club.

The report points to the Reds' victory over Chelsea in the 2024 Carabao Cup final, mere months before his move, which saw several of Liverpool's academy stars take centre stage at Wembley Stadium, as a key reason for wanting to sign for the Reds.

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Jurgen Klopp's trust in youth players paid off (Image: Getty Images)

Klopp handed opportunities to Jayden Danns, Bobby Clark and James McConnell at Wembley, while Jarell Quansah and Conor Bradley were regularly part of the first-team squad in the 2023/24 season. And the faith that led him to make the switch from London to Liverpool appears to have served him well, with Slot now seemingly trusting his abilities.

Chelsea were understood to be furious at the time. Ngumoha joined their academy as a mere eight-year-old. And none were more crestfallen than Blues legend John Terry, an academy coach with Chelsea, whose high praise of the teenager was a clue as to what he could go on to achieve.

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“Good luck mate," was the former England and Chelsea captain’s reply to Ngumoha's Instagram post that confirmed his belated arrival as a Liverpool player last summer. He added: “This boy is and will be a top top player."

Chelsea were gutted to lose Ngumoha (Image: Instagram/Riongumoha)

Despite those comments and the hype that has gathered around the player in recent weeks, Slot is keen to keep Ngumoha's feet on the ground, stressing that his decision-making can still improve following Wednesday’s match.

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"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.

"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.

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"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."

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