'Incredible': ITV commentator gives early verdict on Rio Ngumoha during Liverpool debut vs Accrington Stanley

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Liverpool faced Accrington Stanley for the first time in 69 years on Saturday afternoon.

The Reds were looking to bounce back from a midweek defeat against Tottenham with the return of the FA Cup.

Arne Slot had been expected to heavily rotate his Liverpool team, with several youngsters in-line to play against Accrington.

Amara Nallo had been expected to make his Liverpool debut, but in the end the centre-back was not in the matchday squad.

There was still a teenaged debutant for the Reds, though, as exciting attacker Rio Ngumoha started on the Liverpool left.

And as Ngumoha made his first ever senior appearance, ITV commentator Lucy Ward gave an early verdict on how the 16-year-old began the game.

Rio Ngumoha impresses on Liverpool debut

It was not hugely surprising to see Ngumoha in the Liverpool squad to face Accrington.

However, it was a slight shock to see the youngster start the game at Anfield, especially with Federico Chiesa rooted to the bench.

But Ngumoha is clearly an incredible talent and Ward was impressed by what she’d seen early on.

“Nice first couple of touches from Ngumoha,” raved the commentator. “You’ll get the defenders scared to death if you front them up, run at them. That’s what he’s all about.”

READ MORE: Ibrahima Konate pulled from Arne Slot's Liverpool starting line-up just before game vs Accrington

As the game progressed, Ward continued to sing the praises of Ngumoha.

“Watching Ngumoha, this is his fist season of full time football,” she said. “It’s incredible that he’s got a start in the FA Cup at 16.”

Ward continues to single out Ngumoha

Ngumoha certainly did not look shy during the opening half against Accrington. Keen to get on the ball and show off his lightning quick footwork, the former Chelsea prospect caught the eye.

“It’s good from Ngumoha because he’s doing it in the right areas, doing it in the box,” Ward said after the youngster probed to make something happen. “Positive start and we know he’s got the confidence, the belief.”

However, Ward did urge Liverpool to get the ball to Ngumoha slightly further up the pitch.

“He’s certainly good with the ball at his feet but Liverpool need him on the ball further up the pitch,” she observed.

And excellent start from Ngumoha and this is just the beginning!