Liverpool fans have had plenty of reasons to gripe with Arne Slot over the course of a dismal season so far.
The Reds have been unexpectedly terrible during 2025/26, leading to an expectation that Slot will be dismissed before too long.
One of the more niche complaints has been that the Liverpool head coach has been overlooking some of the Reds’ talented young players far too often.
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Mohamed Salah chases the ball during Liverpool's Premier League match against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium
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Rio Ngumoha may have made 11 appearances so far this term, but as many of them have come from the bench in the dying minutes of matches, many supporters would like to see the 17-year-old given more game time. Trey Nyoni is another who has been with the matchday squad virtually all season, but has barely set foot on the pitch.
As a result of their heavy first-team involvement, neither Ngumoha nor Nyoni have been playing for the underage sides this season, with some fans worried the lack of action would lead to a pause in their development. On Sunday, those concerns were allayed as both youngsters turned out for the U21s.
Rio Ngumoha plays for Liverpool U21s
Ngumoha was given another chance to show what he can do by Slot during Saturday’s defeat against Bournemouth.
The teenager gave the Cherries’ defenders something to think about and ended up winning the free-kick which Dominik Szoboszlai briefly equalised from.
Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni walk out ahead of a training session for Liverpool
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On Sunday, reporter Jack Lusby noted that Ngumoha was back with the U21s and was joined by Nyoni in the line-up as Leeds visited the Liverpool academy.
The outing should hopefully give the pair some much-needed minutes in the legs as they look to fulfil their massive potential.
Meanwhile, winger Trent Kone-Doherty was not included in the matchday squad, indicating that a January loan move may be on the cards.
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Andrew Robertson of Liverpool during the Premier League match between Burnley and Liverpool at Turf Moor
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Who else played for the U21s?
Along with Ngumoha and Nyoni, Calvin Ramsay is another young player who has regularly been around the first-team of late.
Ramsay was involved on Saturday, remaining on the bench throughout the defeat against Bournemouth.
The Scotsman has also been given a taste of action against Leeds on Sunday, reportedly starting at right-back.
Meanwhile, Liverpool have high hopes for striker Will Wright, and he is another included in the starting line-up.
With the Reds short on centre-backs, Amara Nallo is joined by Carter Pinnington in the back line.
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