Liverpool manager Arne Slot has named 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha in the starting XI for their FA Cup third-round tie against Accrington Stanley. Ngumoha, a highly touted prospect, will make his senior debut, while Trent Alexander-Arnold captains the side in a reshuffled line-up.
Slot has made significant changes to the team that fell to Tottenham in the Carabao Cup semi-final on Thursday. Among the key changes, Caoimhin Kelleher replaces Alisson in goal, and Alexander-Arnold returns to the starting line-up at right-back, wearing the captain’s armband.
Liverpool’s defense includes Kostas Tsimikas at left-back and Wataru Endo in an emergency centre-back role, paired with Jarrell Quansah, who has recovered from a minor injury sustained against Spurs. The midfield trio features Harvey Elliott, Tyler Morton, and Dominik Szoboszlai, who has overcome illness to start.
Ngumoha, who joined Liverpool from Chelsea in September, takes Mohamed Salah’s place on the right wing. The teenager earned acclaim as the player of the tournament in Chelsea’s under-16 national championship win in 2023. Chelsea academy coach John Terry reportedly expressed disappointment at losing the rising star. Ngumoha will play alongside Darwin Nunez and Diogo Jota, who share responsibilities in attack.
Slot acknowledged the challenge of facing lower-league sides, emphasizing the need for focus.
“Every team that plays us treats it as a special occasion, especially lower-league sides. It’s up to us to match their intensity and approach the game like a Champions League final,” Slot said.
The decision to captain Alexander-Arnold may hint at Liverpool’s plans for the right-back, whose contract expires this summer. Reports suggest Alexander-Arnold has indicated willingness to stay, provided he is given the armband permanently.
Slot will also be observing Elliott closely, amid Borussia Dortmund’s interest in 20-year-old midfielder, with a reported valuation of £40-million.
Despite Accrington’s status as a fourth-tier side, Slot remains wary of complacency.
“They’ve likely been preparing for weeks, and the first 25-30 minutes will be intense. We must bring out the best in ourselves and be ready to match their energy,” he added.
Liverpool fans will be eager to see how Ngumoha fares in his first taste of senior football, with the match providing a glimpse into the club’s exciting future.
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