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Liverpool head coach Arne Slot says Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni's emergence into contention for more senior minutes next season brings new "energy" to the team after they both scored against Yokohama F. Marinos.
Nyoni put Liverpool in front when he popped up at the back post to acrobatically turn Jeremie Frimpong's cross into the net. And then Ngumoha came to life, taking his goal with plenty of composure from the edge of the penalty area.
"We have a lot of very good players, but to get some from the academy is helpful," Slot said, via Lewis Steele, during his post-match press conference. "It gives us energy.
"There was a moment where he should've squared it, so he can learn. But if you are 16 and you impact the game like he did, that's definitely a compliment."
Ngumoha and Nyoni have both starred in pre-season so far. The former had started every game this summer until this one, when Cody Gakpo was in the XI from the off, while the latter has more quietly been impressing.
Both are likely to be involved heavily when Liverpool is next in action, taking on the Spanish side Athletic Club in a double-header at Anfield on Monday.
Before then, Liverpool will fly back to the UK to continue preparing for the new season. The Reds are due back in England before the weekend and will reconvene at the AXA Training Centre.
Elsewhere, Wataru Endo, the captain of Japan, skippered Liverpool when he replaced Virgil van Dijk in the second half. And his manager was pleased to see that he got an ovation on his return to his homeland.
Endo struggled for game time last season but always played his part when required. And he got around a third of the game as he went back to the part of Japan where he grew up.
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"He deserved that more than everyone else for the role he played last season in us winning the league," Slot said.
"How well he accepted his role, he was always the best example. He was always there for the team. He totally deserved to get the armband today."
Liverpool.com says: Ngumoha and Nyoni are huge prospects. There should not be too much pressure placed on their shoulders as they are so young, but they each look ready to take the next step.
Once the Premier League kicks off, it will be fascinating to see how much game time they can get. In certain circumstances, though, they definitely look ready.
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