Arne Slot praised Rio Ngumoha after the teenager became the youngest Liverpool player to ever start an FA Cup match.
The 16-year-old played 72 minutes for the Reds during their 4-0 win over Accrington Stanley in the third round match at Anfield.
“He did well,” the Liverpool boss told ITV after the full-time whistle. “There were a few moments where the fans could see why we think he’s a talent. He is good in one-v-one situations.
“He showed a bit more in the first half than in the second half. It is nice to get your debut and get the win. It is a special day for him.”
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The Dutchman was also pleased to see Federico Chiesa get a runout and find the net on his return from injury. It was only the wide forward’s fifth appearance for the Merseyside outfit since joining from Juventus in the summer.
“It is definitely a good first step, but as much as I liked the way Accrington Stanley played we have to take into consideration that we’re talking about League Two level,” Slot said.
“It is good to have him back on the pitch. He was a threat, but let’s not get carried away.”
Diogo Jota opened the scoring on Saturday afternoon before Trent Alexander-Arnold doubled the host’s lead with a quality strike on the stroke of halftime.
After the interval academy graduate Jayden Danns scored the third goal of his young career, the previous two coming in last season’s FA Cup, before Chiesa grabbed the final of the day.
“Credit to them, I think they showed their style of play, which is a big compliment,” Slot said of Accrington Stanley.
“They played the same style as they always play. In the end, of course, the difference in quality makes a big difference for us, but compliments to them with how they showed up today.”
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