Liverpool’s recent signings, Federico Chiesa and Rio Ngumoha, have made a significant impression in the club’s under-21s training sessions.
With both players now integrated into the squad, their contributions are already making waves at Kirkby.
Chiesa, who joined Liverpool from Juventus for a fee that could rise to £12.5 million, has been using the international break to enhance his match fitness.
Despite being unavailable for Arne Slot’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United, the Italian winger has been dedicating his time to getting up to speed. He chose to remain at Anfield during the break to train with the under-21s, and his efforts are paying off.
Barry Lewtas, the under-21s head coach, has praised Chiesa’s professionalism and skill.
Lewtas told the club’s official website: “Getting to know people as soon as you come is really useful because it helps you settle, it makes you more familiar and it gives you that grounding. Obviously, with Federico, we’ve done this a number of times now [where] we’ll bring boys round, and it gives him a chance to build his fitness and get him ready for the season as well.”
Chiesa’s integration into the under-21s training has not only been beneficial for his own fitness but has also provided an excellent benchmark for Liverpool’s emerging talents. Lewtas highlighted how training with a player of Chiesa’s calibre can significantly impact the development of younger players, offering them a chance to compete against and learn from someone with substantial experience.
Meanwhile, Rio Ngumoha, who recently signed from Chelsea, has also made a strong start.
The 16-year-old winger has begun his Liverpool journey with the under-21s after completing his transfer following a comprehensive Premier League registration process.
Though Ngumoha’s arrival hasn’t been officially announced yet, he has quickly settled in with his new teammates.
Lewtas sees Ngumoha’s early exposure to first-team training as a crucial part of his integration. “It’s a great introduction for Rio,” Lewtas said.
“Training with both the under-21s and the first-team staff helps him get to know his new environment and teammates better. This early familiarity is essential for settling in and building a strong foundation for his career.”
