It didn’t take long for 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha to make an impression.
Just two minutes into his first-ever appearance at Anfield, the Liverpool youngster had the crowd on their feet — not with a lucky bounce, but with a goal that screamed confidence and class.
After an eye-catching pre-season tour, Ngumoha made sure to keep the momentum going in front of the home crowd on Monday, during Liverpool’s friendly against Athletic Club.
Electric Start from the Halfway Line
The goal itself was something special.
Ngumoha picked up the ball near the halfway line, charged toward the Athletic Club defense with intent, and then showed a level of composure beyond his years.
With a smooth body swerve and a right-footed strike, he curled the ball perfectly into the bottom corner.
Celebrating with a confident knee slide to the corner flag, Ngumoha was quickly surrounded by teammates who knew they’d just witnessed a special moment.
The Fans Are Already on Board
It wasn’t just his teammates who were impressed — Liverpool fans lit up social media with praise.
Many are already calling for Ngumoha to be included in the senior squad this season, at least for cup games.
One fan posted, “Rio Ngumoha needs to be in the squad for the season. Used for the cup games.”
Another added, “He’s shown maturity beyond his years and proved he can deliver when given the chance.”
The general feeling? He’s got massive potential — as long as the club handles his development wisely.
And Then He Turned Provider
Ngumoha didn’t stop at just scoring. Minutes after his opening goal, he set up Darwin Nunez for Liverpool’s second.
It was a clever piece of play — Ngumoha nodded down a cross into Nunez’s path, and the Uruguayan forward did the rest, flicking it past the goalkeeper to make it 2-0.
It was a dream first showing at Anfield, and one that might have nudged Ngumoha a step closer to a bigger role under new head coach Arne Slot.
Praise from the Boss — and a Legend’s Guidance
Slot has already been vocal about the teen’s talent.
After solid performances in the Far East against teams like AC Milan and Yokohama Marinos, the Liverpool manager said, “If you are 16 and you can impact games in the way Rio does, it is worth a compliment.”
Behind the scenes, Ngumoha has also been learning from one of the best.
Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s star winger, has reportedly been mentoring the youngster — offering tips and advice on how to keep improving.
Filling Big Shoes on the Left Wing
Ngumoha’s rise comes at a time of transition for Liverpool’s attack.
With Luis Diaz completing a big-money move to Bayern Munich last week, there’s a gap on the left wing.
While Cody Gakpo is currently first choice, Ngumoha has now firmly positioned himself as a capable backup — and a potential long-term option.
Signed from Chelsea just last summer, the teen is already proving that he’s not just one for the future — he’s making a serious case for the present.
What’s Next for Rio Ngumoha?
With pre-season almost over, Liverpool’s coaching staff now face a big decision: does Ngumoha stay close to the first team, or continue developing more quietly behind the scenes?
One thing’s clear — whether it’s this season or the next, Rio Ngumoha has arrived.
And if Monday was anything to go by, he’s ready for the spotlight.