The plan is to manage Rio Ngumoha’s workload and be “careful”, as Arne Slot says.
Ngumoha, 17, has two days of training a week where he is off the pitch.
There is a focus on building his physicality too and improving his off-ball work for the challenges of the top-flight, be that game understanding or his defensive instincts.
Very few teenagers are equipped technically, physically and mentally to play at the highest level straight away and Liverpool are getting him ready to be a key part of their side for the near future – but are keen not to rush things.
“The manager is very important to me and he helps me a lot,” said Ngumoha.
“We might have a meeting after training and he tells me how well I am doing, to keep going, showing me clips. All of that is important and helpful.
“I think it has gone really well. I am learning a lot every day playing and training with some of the best players in the world.
“I can’t ask for much more as a young kid. So I just think I need to carry on proving, working hard in training and showing what I can do to the manager.”
