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It took just 21 touches. That is all that the young Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha had in his 45 minutes of action against Preston North End in the Reds' first pre-season fixture.
But by half-time, when Arne Slot changed the whole team, the right side of the Preston defense would have been breathing a sigh of relief. Ngumoha had shown a few glimpses of the quality that he has — and the reason that Liverpool was so delighted to steal him away from Chelsea.
At 16 years of age, Ngumoha showed the kind of fearlessness that defines his game. He loves to dribble — and still needs to take the next step and discover more end product — but he is exciting, without question.
Ngumoha had one shot blocked and tried to create things for those around him, but it was his skill with the ball at his feet that showed what he is all about. For those who have seen him at the academy level, it will be nothing new.
In the middle of the pitch, even if he didn't get as many of the plaudits, Trey Nyoni was equally as impressive. At 18, he is probably closer to putting himself in a position for minutes when the proper stuff starts, too.
Nyoni was the breakout star of last summer's pre-season, scoring at Anfield against Sevilla. A year on, he looks even more rounded, a little bit more filled out physically, and just as skilful.
Attempting 29 passes in his half of football, Nyoni completed every single one. The half-turn that saw him spin away from an opponent was one highlight, while even when surrounded by bodies, he almost always finds a way out.
Signed from Leicester City in 2023, Nyoni is one of the most talented players in his age group in the country. He signed a contract extension last week, on his 18th birthday, and he has already made his Champions League debut.
"It means a lot, obviously supporting the club from young as well," Nyoni said when his new deal was confirmed. "It’s a great feeling but now I have to go out and show why I’ve earned this contract.
"I think it’s just step by step, day by day, just becoming better every day, just improving as a player. I’m still young; there’s a lot of improvement. That’s the most important thing. I just have to repay them in that way."
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This pre-season, though it comes in difficult circumstances, given the mourning of Diogo Jota, will provide a chance to continue to move in the right direction.
And while Slot didn't show that much in the way of opportunities for young talents in his debut season at Anfield, there is no guarantee that the injury situation will be as positive this time around.
Unless Liverpool decides that he would be best going out on loan for regular action, Nyoni should be looking to build on the six times he played at senior level last season. Likewise, Ngumoha could get more chances in the domestic cups.
Pre-season is never a time to read too much into performances; it only counts when the first ball is kicked in the Premier League. In Ngumoha and Nyoni, however, Liverpool has two real prospects — and it knew that long before this weekend.
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