Liverpool signing impressing behind the scenes as exciting 'identity' already clear

It would be fair to say there has been a fair few eyes on Rio Ngumoha since he arrived from Chelsea this summer. And with his first start at U18 level last weekend followed by his debut from the off in the UEFA Youth League on Wednesday, it has been a week of firsts.

Liverpool was beaten 3-2 at home to Newcastle United Saturday and then won 2-1 in Europe against Bologna U19s ahead of the first team's victory. And though Ngumoha is yet to score, he has shown a few glimpses of his talent with his quick feet and a tricky, direct style.

"I don't make the fuss!" Lewtas told reporters including from Liverpool.com after his side's 2-1 win over Bologna in the UEFA Youth League. "But [against Bologna] we managed to set up on that side quite well which did him the opportunity one-vs-one.

"He hit the crossbar and we had a number of chances in those particular moments, cutting inside. He combined well and in the first half, it was a real good game for him.

"In the second, he's not played a lot and he is very young. The reality is when you're playing in games of this size at his age, it is a lot for him as well. Just as the game went on, he dug in.

"It's what I've said before: we just need to be patient and I'm sure we'll get there. But it is tough. He is giving away a lot of size and a lot of age. It's a shame he couldn't get a goal really because I thought at that point, we did have them in moments. If we'd scored earlier on, it could have been different."

Chelsea was gutted to lose Ngumoha during the summer and he is one of the most highly-rated players in his position and age group in the world. Enticed to Merseyside by the clear promotion pathway that has been on offer in recent years, as shown by the likes of Harvey Elliott , Curtis Jones and more recently Bobby Clark , now at Red Bull Salzburg, Ngumoha has settled in straight away.

"He's going to be what you've seen today," Lewtas continued. "We're not looking to change anything. We're looking to add to his game. He's a one-vs-one dribbler so hopefully what comes with that is someone who can score goals and assist, create, and certainly get the team up the pitch. I thought he did that for us well.

"I don't see his identity changing at any point. It is just about the journey and making sure he improves bit by bit, whether that is his crossing or his finishing. I don't think he will be totally different in four years' time. We just all hope that — as we do with all of them — that we're not sitting at Kirkby watching them but we're sitting at Anfield .

"I don't see him changing much but he is a lovely boy and I genuinely mean that — well brought up. He has settled in really well with the lads, he communicates well with the staff, and he is a lovely kid."