Rio Ngumoha takes huge step in Liverpool development amid Chelsea transfer fury

Ahead of their Premier League clash with Aston Villa, Liverpool's Friday training session . The 16-year-old summer recruit from Chelsea was seen training with main squad.

This match against Unai Emery's Villa is the last before the November international break and offers the Reds another chance to strengthen their position at the top of the table. If results go in their favor as they did last weekend, they could extend their lead over by four points and by 10 points.

The final training session saw all the usual first-team players, except for the injured , , and . However, it was , not regular stars like and , who caught the eye.

The teenager is , and his presence among the stars certainly adds to the anticipation.

after Ngumoha made the move to Anfield. In fact, according to , the Blues have , a move viewed within the industry as retaliation.

Following his arrival in September, Ngumoha had the opportunity to train with Slot's senior squad, albeit during a quieter spell as players were out on international duty. He's primarily been developing his skills with Barry Lewtas' Under-21s in UEFA Youth League matches and Marc Bridge-Wilkinson's Under-18s in the Premier League U18.

In a clear nod to his burgeoning potential, today he found himself training with the first team once again, this time alongside the full assembly of talent. Liverpool have high expectations for the striker and his self-belief is palpable.

, Ngumoha confidently asserted: "I truly believe I can win the Ballon d'Or one day. I want to be regarded as one of the best players to ever play football and be a legend of the game."

Liverpool.com says: It tells you all you need to know about how highly Liverpool rates Ngumoha that he's already being included in first-team sessions. He obviously still has plenty of development to get through before he's knocking on the door to feature in the Premier League, but it does seem as though the Reds have a real star on their hands.

* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Liverpool ECHO by clicking .