'I coached Rio Ngumoha - Liverpool wonderkid's tournament achievement says it all'

Sunday's Merseyside derby against Everton represents a significant milestone for Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha. The calls for greater involvement for the 17-year-old have grown louder following his goal against Fulham and an encouraging substitute appearance against Paris Saint-Germain.

In a season which has proved frustrating for the Reds, Ngumoha has been among the standout performers for Arne Slot's side. While the Dutchman has consistently exercised caution with the teenager, the outstanding performances from the eye-catching winger have become increasingly difficult to ignore.

Ngumoha brilliantly curled beyond Bernd Leno to open the scoring against the Cottagers last Saturday, with the youngster's effort igniting the Reds as they got back to winning ways - strengthening their European prospects in the process. The goal was his second of the campaign, following his dramatic late winner at St James' Park against Newcastle United, and his maiden strike at Anfield.

Liverpool's youth recruitment is beginning to bear fruit after they secured the forward from Premier League rivals Chelsea . The Reds were ordered to pay a minimum of £2.8million for the 17-year-old after he departed the Londoners in September 2024, putting pen to paper on his first professional contract on Merseyside.

The rise of Ngumoha might have caught those outside Liverpool, and even Chelsea, by surprise. But not Saul Isaksson-Hurst , a former youth coach at the West London club's academy, who managed his under-9s side while the forward came through their academy system.

Now working as an individual skills development coach, he remains in close contact with footballers across the country and isn't surprised that the 17-year-old is making waves.

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He told Mirror Football : "(He was) just unbelievable in terms of his ability to move with the ball, break lines, beat players, just electric. A really exciting player, the sort of player you love to watch, everybody likes. Just a real, real box office player.

"I knew of him, obviously he was in the under-8s programme, I knew of him, football is a small world , London is a small place.

"When I first saw him properly I was really blown away and you've got to remember as well, amongst lots of good other players, Chelsea always has generally more better players than anybody else. He stood out at that time and he was sensational."

Isaksson-Hurst works with the calibre of Antoine Semenyo and Noni Madueke, amongst the players he currently trains. However, during his four-year spell at Chelsea's academy, he guided the progression of talents, including current Bayern Munich and Germany star Jamal Musiala. Ngumoha ranks among the finest he has encountered.

He said: "He's right up near the top [players that he's coached]. He is a great talent with loads of potential, in terms of someone who's got the potential to do everything in the game, he's got it all.

"I remember we were at a tournament in France and we didn't do that well, actually. We went out and won in the early rounds but we were playing against Ajax, Juventus and all the big clubs in Europe.

"But he still won player of the tournament and I thought it was amazing, because especially in youth football they always give it to one of the winners, but he was that good, even though we didn't t win the tournament, that they still gave him player of the tournament.

"That's what it's all about, going to a tournament in Europe and standing out, even when your team's not doing well, still looking like the best player easily amongst the best clubs in Europe."

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It has been a disappointing campaign for Liverpool as they fell short in their Premier League title challenge. Results haven't been aided by a notable decline in form from the likes of Salah, while new recruits have been hindered by long-term or persistent injuries.

With six fixtures left to play, Liverpool have the cushion of fifth spot for Champions League qualification, but the onus is on them to complete the task and end the campaign strongly.

Victory over Everton would provide a major lift to their hopes of retaining their seat at Europe's elite level, but their underwhelming displays this season highlight the vulnerability.

For Slot, alongside scrutiny over his position, he has been compelled to answer queries regarding Ngumoha's participation. The 17-year-old's eye-catching showings cannot be overlooked heading into the crucial phase of the season.

Isaksson-Hurst said: "If you're good enough, you're old enough. When you're one of the top young talents in Europe, you need to be playing games, you already need to be making an impact and knocking on the door.

"I'm not surprised to see him (performing well), anyone within the game knows he's always had the ability to do it. It's great to see him doing it at a top club like Liverpool.

"I think Rio has the potential to be a Ballon d'Or winner, he's one of the best young players in European football. He's got everything for me so the sky's the limit."

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