Liverpool already have the next Rio Ngumoha, he should get his debut after international break

Rio Ngumoha is one of the Premier League's biggest rising talents, and Liverpool have managed to keep hold of him so far.

A big-money move away from Anfield was on the cards during the summer, with Bayern Munich among the clubs interested.

The 2025-26 campaign was an extremely frustrating one for the 18-year-old, with Arne Slot simply refusing to give him the game time that fans wanted.

Andoni Iraola is refusing to make the same mistake as his predecessor, with the young winger being trusted with a much bigger role this season.

While he has yet to register a goal contribution, Ngumoha is finally being appreciated for his talents, and the Reds may have already uncovered the next version of him.

Trey Nyoni is a great example of how much talent the club's academy is currently producing, and he is unlikely to be the only one given a first-team chance this term.

Joshua Abe deserves a first-team shot at Anfield

Ngumoha had to be patient for his chance at Anfield, but there's one 16-year-old that should already be catching the first-team manager's eye.

Joshua Abe has been making a name for himself in the academy, already starring for the Under-18s and featuring in the UEFA Youth League.

Last season, the right winger notched eight goals and three assists in 10 U18 Premier League appearances, grabbing a contribution every 64 minutes.

The Reds have seen just how quickly European giants can attempt to pounce on academy talent if no direct route to the first team is shown.

With Iraola's side featuring in multiple competitions, the period after the international break would be the perfect opportunity to give Abe some first-team action and show him what the future could look like.

Which teams have already tried to sign the Liverpool gem?

While fans may not have heard the name just yet, several giants around Europe certainly have, it would appear.

According to the Daily Mail, Real Madrid, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City were willing to pay Abe £50,000 a week to entice him away from Anfield.

He remains in the Liverpool academy, though. And while the current campaign has been a lot slower for him, there is a lot to like about the winger.

It would be a huge call for Iraola to throw him in at the deep end this term, but if Ngumoha can do it, why can't 16-year-old Abe?