Rio Ngumoha makes instant impression as Liverpool summer transfers given debut

Exciting new Liverpool signing Rio Ngumoha made his first appearance as the under-18s were beaten 2-0 by Blackburn Rovers at the Academy. And fellow summer arrival Alvin Ayman also made his competitive debut in the U18 Premier League North clash at Kirkby on Saturday.

Ngumoha, a 16-year-old left winger, was available after his move from Chelsea was ratified by the Premier League., and emerged from the bench for the final 16 minutes with central midfielder Ayman playing the opening hour for Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's side.

However, the duo couldn't prevent Liverpool from falling to another loss in a tight encounter in which they were unfortunate not earn a point after a strong finish to the match.

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After a tame first half, Blackburn went ahead on 48 minutes when Louie Enaharo-Marcus could only clear a corner to the edge of the area where Jackson Shorrocks looped a header over home goalkeeper Bailey Hall.

Hall twice denied Blackburn forward Joseph Boggan before Ngumoha made his entrance in the final quarter, with Liverpool close to a late equaliser through substitutes Joe Bradshaw and Kareem Ahmed before visiting sub Valentin Joseph robbed Hall during injury time and tapped into an empty net.

How did Ayman look?

Ayman, a 16-year-old midfield, was snapped up from Wolves in the summer for a fee that is believed could eventually cost Liverpool up to £2million.

Rapid progress at his former club was such he was only 15 when making his first appearance at U21 level in Premier League 2 last season.

With his arrival at Liverpool having been confirmed late last month, Ayman made his first appearance in a friendly last weekend and here wore the number eight as a more advanced midfielder.

Tall and rangy, there were a few loose touches in the first half - one led to an opportunity for Blackburn - but there was a confidence in possession with Ayman soon offering pointers to team-mates.

And Ayman demonstrated his feisty side when he was involved in a first-half altercation with Blackburn goalscorer Shorrocks. Replaced on 61 minutes for Ahmed, this was a steady introduction for the new man.

Rio grand straight away

Ngumoha may have only been given around 20 minutes but he was evidently keen to make an instant impression in his cameo.

With his first proper involvement just moments after trotting on, the winger skinned his opponent and put in an inviting cross that Bradshaw couldn't quite convert at the far post.

Despite the outing only being brief, Ngumoha showed signs of why he is regarded such a promising talent with the ease in which he moved away from opponents, an ability to win free-kicks and pace when in possession, all illustrated with one mazy run during injury time. His development promises to be one of the more intriguing stories at the Academy this season.

Liverpool are next in action on Tuesday when an U19 side takes on AC Milan in their UEFA Youth League opener in Italy (kick-off 1.30pm).

LIVERPOOL U18s: Hall; Esdaille, Pitt, Enaharo-Marcus, Williams; Lonmeni, Ayman (Ahmed 61), Onanuga; Martin (Bradshaw 61), Sonni-Lambie (Ngumoha 74), O'Connor. Subs: Bernard, Evers.