Liverpool's teenage winger Rio Ngumoha could become the youngest player to feature in a league Merseyside derby when the Reds visit Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday. The 17-year-old, who scored his first Premier League goal in a 2-0 win over Fulham last weekend, has been tipped to start after impressing in a brief Champions League appearance against Paris Saint-Germain.
Ngumoha's fearless approach may prove crucial for a Liverpool side that has lost four of their last five matches in all competitions, including a midweek exit from Europe. In contrast, Everton are buoyant after a 3-0 home win over Chelsea and a dramatic draw at Brentford, fuelling belief that they can finish above their neighbours for the first time in 13 years.
The Merseyside derby has a history of launching young talents. David Fairclough, Steven Gerrard and Curtis Jones all made their mark in the fixture, and Ngumoha could follow suit. If he features, he would become Liverpool's youngest-ever league derby player; a goal would make him the youngest scorer on either side in any competition.
Liverpool boss Arne Slot may turn to Ngumoha's pace and direct running to unsettle Everton's defence. While the hostile atmosphere at the new stadium will test the teenager, his recent displays suggest he is ready for the challenge.
