Lamine Yamal has wowed the football world over the last two years as he defied the odds to emerge as not just one of the best young talents, but one of the best in his position.
Last season, the then 17-year-old made an arguable case to be considered among the very best players in the world with nine goals and 15 assists for Barcelona.
His mesmerising dribbling and baffling maturity in the men’s game has once again made the case for the old addage: “If you’re good enough, you’re old enough.
We’ve seen this in the past with Michael Owen, Lionel Messi and Wayne Rooney but there is still the need for the likes of Liverpool to be very careful with their young prodigies.
The latest super-talent to emerge at Liverpool is Rio Ngumoha, signed from Chelsea last year and following his incredible display against Athletic Club on Monday, there have been calls for Arne Slot and his coaching staff to take their time in promoting the 17-year-old to the senior team.
Within 90 seconds of the start of play, Ngumoha scored an excellent solo goal, scoring from outside the box following a 50-yard run with the ball. He then grabbed an assist three and a half minutes later.
It’s crystal clear that Liverpool have one of the best young Premier League talents at their disposal but they must be careful not to rush him into becoming a full professional.
Simon Jordan issues warning to Liverpool and Arsenal over Rio Ngumoha and Max Dowman
Former Crystal Palace chairman Simon Jordan told TalkSPORT that while clubs like Arsenal and Liverpool may be tempted to use the blueprint laid by Barcelona with Yamine Yamal, they need to be wary of placing too much pressure on the shoulders of Max Doman and Ngumoha.
“Of course we have the constant example of Lamine Yamal as the blueprint as if you’re good enough you’re old enough,” Jordan said.
“But I would imagine the Max Dowmans of the world and this kid at Liverpool will find their way and they’ll perhaps get game time.
“But I would be very surprised if he [Ngumoha] finds himself as an ever-present and dominant force at this stage, but who knows?”