Liverpool lining up wonderkid to replace Andy Robertson

Liverpool have made an interesting move at academy level that could unearth Andy Robertson's future replacement.

Last summer, there were two deals that the Reds got over the line for teenagers from Premier League rivals. One of those transfers has already proven to be a coup.

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Rio Ngumoha has gone onto light up the U18 Premier League, move onto the U21s, make his debut for the first team and become the star of pre-season.

He's now firmly considered as a first team option and could feature a lot more for Arne Slot's side.

But there was also another young arrival at the club last summer. Liverpool brought in Alvin Ayman from Wolverhampton. The 17-year-old has had a bit of a slower start compared to Ngumoha but he's making the right steps.

And he's now catching the eye in a new role.

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Liverpool have made a number of changes at academy level this summer. We've written about how Prince Kobe Cisse has been transitioned to play as a centre-back.

Another interesting thing the Reds' youth coaches worked on was moving Ayman to left-back. When Liverpool signed him, Ayman was regarded as a midfielder.

Last season this is the role that he played, initially as an attacking midfielder and then moving into a deeper role.

But now the club's coaches have moved him into the left-back position. He played there during pre-season and started Liverpool's opening game of the U18 Premier League in that role, too.

It was fair to say that performance was a success with the Reds winning the game 5-1.

A technically gifted player who reads the game really well, it's easy to see why Liverpool have decided to move Ayman into this position.

Especially considering this could be his quickest pathway into the first team. Liverpool did sign Milos Kerkez this summer but Kostas Tsimikas is likely to leave. Whether that's on loan or permanently this summer, it's clear that the Greek international doesn't have a long-term future at Anfield.

On the other hand, Andy Robertson has plenty of experience but he only has one year left on his current deal. He may extend but again his age means he won't have a long-term future at the club.

This opens up a space for Ayman to replace him.

Liverpool will need a back-up to Kerkez if Robertson leaves and if Ayman catches the eye that will be an easy route for him into the first team.

The Reds clearly see him as a huge prospect. This is why they signed Ayman from Wolves last summer and now it's clear that they are working on finding a pathway for him into the first team.

One day we may even see an Ayman and Ngumoha duo on the club's left flank.

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