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Ngumoha Shines, Ekitike Impresses: Liverpool’s Pre-Season Statement Against Athletic Club

Liverpool fans were treated to a double-header of pre-season friendlies at Anfield on Monday night, as Arne Slot’s side defeated Athletic Club twice within five hours. With standout performances from Ekitike and Ngumoha, the Reds continued to show signs that they will hit the ground running when the 2025/26 season kicks off.

First appearances as Reds at Anfield for our summer arrivals ✊🔴 pic.twitter.com/lu8GMf1w7h
— Liverpool FC (@LFC) August 4, 2025

In the midst of a summer filled with change — including a managerial shift and significant player turnover — Liverpool’s fluidity and attacking sharpness served as a warning to Premier League rivals: the Reds are ready.

Ngumoha stakes his first-team claim

Among the many bright sparks on the evening was Rio Ngumoha, who dazzled with his performance and staked a serious claim for first-team minutes this season.

Despite his age, the 17-year-old winger looked at ease on the Anfield turf, displaying the kind of flair, composure, and end product that fans usually associate with more seasoned players. His confidence on the ball and decision-making in the final third were particularly eye-catching, and with Cody Gakpo facing increased competition, Slot may well consider Ngumoha as a legitimate rotation option.

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Pre-season is often a proving ground for academy players — and Ngumoha passed the test with flying colours.

Nyoni’s resilience in an unfamiliar role

Trey Nyoni, another teenager with a burgeoning reputation, was deployed in an unusual position at centre-back. While early nerves led to a few risky passes in dangerous areas, the 18-year-old grew into the game remarkably.

His defensive reading of the play improved as the match progressed, with one key two-vs-one interception standing out as a highlight. While centre-back isn’t his natural role, Slot’s decision to place him there speaks volumes about the faith he has in Nyoni’s intelligence and adaptability.

It may not be his permanent position going forward, but this experience adds another layer to his development — and further underlines why he’s considered one of the club’s most exciting prospects.

Ekitike encouraging debut shows promise

Signed to offer a fresh dimension to Liverpool’s forward line, Hugo Ekitike is already beginning to win over the Anfield faithful. Though comparisons to Darwin Núñez are inevitable — especially with the Uruguayan scoring earlier in the evening — the French striker is carving out his own identity.

Ekitike’s strength, speed, and work rate were all on display, but what stood out most was his technical quality — particularly the delicate assist for Mohamed Salah. That moment drew rapturous applause from the home crowd, and chants of “Hugo! Hugo!” echoed around the stadium by the final whistle.

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Yes, there’s still a raw edge to his game, and Slot was visibly coaching him through phases of play. But Ekitike looks hungry, ready, and keen to make an immediate impact. From youth to new signings, Arne Slot’s Liverpool are already beginning to gel — and it’s happening fast. With pre-season victories like these and exciting performances across the board, the Reds appear well-equipped to pick up where they left off.