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Liverpool U21s head coach Rob Page has praised Rio Ngumoha and Jayden Danns as two top talents he has worked with so far during his time with the Reds.
Page, who was previously in charge of the senior Wales national team, moved to Liverpool in the summer to take over from Barry Lewtas. And he says Danns could go on to become an England regular such is the level of his talent.
Danns has scored one goal in three youth team appearances so far this season and also came on for the senior side in the League Cup, playing 15 minutes off the bench. However, at present, he is sidelined with an injury.
"He’s a special talent, I’m not going to lie," Page, speaking to talkSPORT, said of Ngumoha. "In high-pressure situations, he manages to step it up.
"He has such a calmness about him, but what a humble kid too. First and foremost, I’m impressed by his attitude; he wants to learn every single day, and he doesn’t switch off.
"I’ve got Jayden Danns here as well who’s probably going to be the next England No.9 in years to come. Their attitude is exemplary, they’re a credit to their families and first class.
"Many kids in academies, you see they get carried away. But for some reason here, I think it’s their upbringing and the influence of the academy, they’re grounded and very humble people."
Page is enjoying his new role so far despite some viewing it as a surprising switch after he returned to working with academy players rather than established professionals.
"I’m absolutely loving it," Page said. "It’s a change from working with senior players but I was in this role with the Welsh U21s before stepping up.
"I just feel for me from a personal point of view I was fast-tracked to that senior level, so for me to take a step backwards at an unbelievable football club.
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"I’ve always seen Liverpool as a special club. But now, having worked from the inside, it’s exceeded my expectations of what the club is like.
"The majority [of youth players] are local and when you see the academy set up and the work and investment that’s going into finding the best young players and bringing them through is incredible."
Liverpool.com says: Ngumoha has been really exciting this season and Danns is a big prospect too. The latter just needs to get himself fit and have a sustained period injury-free after a frustrating year or so. If he can, both he and Ngumoha can go on to play many more times for Liverpool in the coming years.
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