Rio Ngumoha from FC Liverpool impresses as a mere 16-year-old in two test matches. The English champion has the next top talent in its ranks and a possible successor for Luis Díaz.
Chance received, chance utilized: Rio Ngumoha, 16-year-old mega-talent from FC Liverpool, crowned his performance in the 3-1 victory against the Japanese first division team Yokohama F. Marinos with his first goal for the professional team.
After a good hour, the left winger was substituted in and caused quite a stir. After a missed chance, which he enabled himself with a strong dribble, he rewarded himself after 87 minutes and established the final score.
Rio Ngumoha plays himself into focus at FC Liverpool
From the halfway line, he dribbled to the opponent’s penalty area, left a defender standing, and scored from a good 16 meters into the goal.
Ngumoha already impressed against Milan
Even in the 2-4 test match against AC Milan, Ngumoha flashed his talent several times in just 45 minutes.
As a left winger, the young Englishman stood in Hong Kong next to big names like 125-million-newcomer Florian Wirtz and club icon Mohamed Salah from the start on the field. Ngumoha repeatedly showed one of his great strengths: the tempo dribble.
Again and again, he got the ball near the outside line, immediately picked up pace towards the goal and caused his opponent massive problems. He also managed the assist to the dream goal of Dominik Szoboszlai to 1:1.
Ngumoha: Can he replace Díaz?
After the departure of Luis Díaz, who moved to FC Bayern, Ngumoha could be the ideal replacement on the left side in the long term without the Reds having to spend a lot of money.
But for that, the decision-making and passing accuracy must improve. If his dribbling did not work, he found it difficult to get the right pass to the man.
And yet: It was also clear that Ngumoha is brave and has no fear of going into one-on-one duels – regardless of whether they are successful or not.
Slot rewarded that even before the current preparation. Already in September, shortly after Ngumoha had come from the youth of FC Chelsea to Anfield Road, he was allowed to train with the first team for the first time.
Actually, the 16-year-old still plays in the U18 team of the Reds, debuted there – also in September – in the Youth League.
The performances convinced Slot, who made him the youngest Liverpool player in the FA Cup in January this year at the age of 16 years and 135 days. At the same time, he became the youngest player in the club’s history to ever be in the starting lineup for the first team.
“He is not afraid to do what he is good at: attacking players,” Slot praised his protégé after the successful debut.
Due to his performances, his debut in the Premier League is probably only a matter of time. He already flashed his talent and potential.
Liverpool is in the process of polishing the next rough diamond.