Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni will be part of Liverpool’s first-team squad this season and Arne Slot has explained what they need to do to take the next step.
Ngumoha and Nyoni will be 17 and 18 respectively by September but they are both considered genuine first-team options heading into the new campaign.
That comes having found their feet within the academy and, after experience with the senior squad last season, both impressing throughout the warmup schedule.
It is Ngumoha who has caught the eye most, not least for his stunning solo goals against Yokohama F. Marinos and Athletic Club, but Nyoni has also stood out for his poise and technical quality.
Speaking ahead of the Community Shield against Crystal Palace, Slot outlined his hopes for their development in the new season.
“You never know how an individual handles a situation,” the head coach admitted.
“It was a year ago when Trey Nyoni scored a goal, I think against Sevilla, when he was also only 17 – very young!
“So they have an incredible chance to work and be everyday around players like Virgil van Dijk, Mo Salah and all these players, to see what they do to be ready to perform every three days.
“That is a step these players definitely have to make, which is completely normal if you are 16 or 17.
“It’s already nice if they can play once a week at a good level and we just try to develop them in the best way we can.
“But we also have to take care of them, because new players that come in who are 24, 23, 22 already experience that the intensity levels are quite high, let alone players that are 16 and coming through the academy.
“So we are aware of that, but it’s been a promising start for [Rio], like for Trey Nyoni as well. I think Trey also played a good game at Anfield.”
There has been a conscious effort from Liverpool to not unnecessarily block the pathway of either player during a busy summer of transfers.
Ngumoha’s chances of game time could be aided by the sale of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich, while Nyoni’s versatility could see him called up in either midfield or defence.
Much will depend on their continued application in training plus the fixtures in front of Liverpool, particularly in the domestic cups.
But there is clearly a plan in place for Ngumoha and Nyoni, who are among the first youngsters to truly step up during Slot’s reign in charge.