Liverpool fans were blown away by what they saw from 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha in 45 minutes against Preston on Sunday.
The Reds faced the Championship team in their first preseason friendly under incredibly emotional circumstances. The club is still reeling from Diogo Jota's sudden death and a beautiful tribute was made before kick-off.
As attention turned to the action in question, with the likes of Mohamed Salah starting, Giorgi Mamardashvili making his debut and Florian Wirtz missing (explained here), it was youngster Ngumoha who immediately stood out. Showing frightening pace and tricky footwork, it is no wonder Chelsea was so furious when they lost him.
Ngumoha played a key role in the first goal, again using those greet feet of his to weave his way through Preston's defense before releasing the ball to Federico Chiesa and then on to Conor Bradley.
The first half wasn't even over by the time Liverpool fans made up their minds on Ngumoha. Safe to say, Reds fans are sold on the wonderkid. He was substituted at half-time as a completely new XI took to the field for the second 45.
"This Rio Ngumoha kid is a baller," posted one.
"Rio Ngumoha is 16 bro," posted another. "He's going to be world class."
One questioned, "Has Rio Ngumoha got super glue on his football boots?"
"Rio Ngumoha is the future," another simply added
Rio Ngumoha
Rio Ngumoha played a key part in the Liverpool's goal
One Liverpool fan cheekily posed, "Thanks for Rio Ngumoha @ChelseaFC."
Another posted: "Rio Ngumoha is looking like a serious talent. Big future ahead at Liverpool!"
Adopting the iconic Wayne Rooney commentary, one fan posted: "Rio Ngumoha, remember the name."
And another said: "Rio Ngumoha is unbelievably talented, he's only 16 years old still as well, I love how direct he is, constantly going at the full-back, great to see."
Ngumoha has, of course, started and played before, making his debut in the FA Cup clash against Accrington Stanley in January. Arne Slot was full of praise following that game.
"I think he's been with us now for half a season," Slot said at the time. "Every time when he comes training with us we see what his qualities are.
"He can dominate one-v-one situations, he is very quick on his feet, he can change directions really fast. And I'm always happy if a player makes his debut that he shows what we see on the training ground as well, so the fans could see it.
"I think the fans liked what they saw; you could feel this in the stadium in the first half already and when I took him out, [from] the reaction of the fans I think we could see they liked what they saw as well.
"So, a special day for him – making your debut, win. He will sleep well tonight, I assume."