As Liverpool prepare for a new era under Arne Slot, the Dutch boss has already started making bold choices—and one of them includes giving Federico Chiesa a fresh shot at proving himself.

After spending much of last season in the background, the Italian forward was handed a key opportunity in Liverpool’s pre-season friendly against Preston North End. Though previously linked with a return to Serie A, Chiesa’s situation at Anfield remains unresolved. But this performance could signal a turning point.

Chiesa started the game up front and initially found it tough against Preston’s physical defenders. However, his persistence paid off. One clever move saw him skip past a defender to deliver a dangerous low cross, which Conor Bradley converted after a deflection off Dominik Szoboszlai. It was a promising glimpse of what he could bring this season.

Teen Talent Steals the Spotlight 🌟

But the real buzz came from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha. The highly rated youngster dazzled on the left wing, tormenting Preston’s Pol Valentin with his pace and dribbling. He nearly scored himself after weaving through defenders, only for his shot to be deflected just wide.

Ngumoha, who signed on scholarship terms last year, is set to ink his first professional contract after turning 17 next month. And if this display was anything to go by, he’s one to watch closely.

Other youth prospects also impressed. Trey Nyoni, playing deeper in midfield, showed maturity beyond his years, holding his own against more experienced opposition. Luca Stephenson, meanwhile, adapted well in an unfamiliar centre-back role, and Ben Doak—back from injury—marked his return with an assist for Cody Gakpo.

Despite having a full senior squad available this pre-season, Slot’s willingness to integrate youth early on has excited fans. With promising performances already piling up, Liverpool’s future may be arriving sooner than expected.