3 Liverpool youngsters who could impress Arne Slot in FA Cup clash with Plymouth | OneFootball

Liverpool's academy stars rose to prominence in the domestic cup competitions last season and have proven similarly effective under the guidance of Arne Slot.

The Reds are renowned for their ability to nurture young talent - see Trent Alexander-Arnold, Curtis Jones and Conor Bradley among others - and they have an exciting crop of whippersnappers pushing for first-team involvement this term.

Liverpool's relentless schedule means the opportunities are there for those who earn them and their FA Cup fourth round tie with struggling Championship side Plymouth Argyle on Sunday afternoon should serve up some more chances for the club's starlets.

Here are three players who could make a lasting impression on Slot this weekend.

James McConnell

James McConnell has earned his manager's praise this term / Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/GettyImages

James McConnell was thrust into the starting lineup for Liverpool's dead rubber with PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League at the end of last month. The 20-year-old produced a composed display amid the chaos that unfolded around him and rightfully earned the praise of his manager after the whistle.

A winter loan move was swiftly ruled out after his display in Eindhoven and the youngster, who featured in Liverpool's Carabao Cup final victory last season, is now set to play an important role for the Reds in the coming weeks with fellow academy graduate Tyler Morton sidelined with a shoulder injury.

McConnell is likely to start against Plymouth and will want to build on an encouraging display in Europe. Impressing with his ability to retain the ball under pressure and make consistently intelligent choices in possession, Liverpool's No.53 has another opportunity to shine on his 13th appearance for the club.

Rio Ngumoha

Rio Ngumoha set a new record in the FA Cup third round / Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/GettyImages

Rio Ngumoha was surprisingly promoted to the starting lineup for Liverpool's FA Cup third round win over Accrington Stanley in January. The 16-year-old, who joined from Chelsea over the summer in a high-profile academy switch, became the Reds' youngest ever starter and most youthful FA Cup representative during the 4-0 win.

Having just been added to Liverpool's Champions League squad for the knockout phase, Ngumoha could be handed another outing on the south coast - although he may not start on this occasion. The teenager was omitted from Liverpool's U18 and U21 squads this weekend, too, suggesting he's in line to feature in some capacity.

Ngumoha produced a strikingly confident display on his debut against Accrington, quickly capturing the attention of the Anfield faithful with his direct running and turn of pace. He completed more dribbles than any other player on the pitch during his 72 minutes, also registering two shots in an encouraging performance.

Big things are expected of Trey Nyoni / Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/GettyImages

Trey Nyoni has long been admired by those of a Liverpool persuasion. Having joined the Reds in 2023 from Leicester City's academy, the 17-year-old featured on occasion last term before dazzling in pre-season under Slot. He won a fair few followers following his excursions in the United States last summer.

Like academy teammate Ngumoha, the deep-lying midfielder was left out of Liverpool's youth squads this weekend in preparation for the long journey to Plymouth. Whether he is a candidate to start remains to be seen - Morton's injury does see him climb the pecking order - but he will be desperate to turn out for the sixth time in Liverpool colours.

Known for his composure on the ball and ability to slide fast passes into the final third, the slender engine room operator plays with an elegance seldom seen in English teenagers.