Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha has been praised after his substitute appearance during the win over Nottingham Forest in the Premier League
Rio Ferdinand working as a pundit for TNT Sports
Rio Ferdinand has praised Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Rio Ferdinand has sent a clear message to Arne Slot after Rio Ngumoha played a key role in helping Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest. The Reds claimed a 1-0 win over Forest in the Premier League on Sunday, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Alexis Mac Allister.
Mac Allister had scored a goal just a few minutes before the end of the contest, only for the effort to be ruled out for handball. The Argentina international found the back of the net a few minutes later to help give Liverpool a crucial three points.
Ngumoha was named on the bench for Liverpool’s trip to the City Ground and was introduced to the contest in the 77th minute when he replaced Mohamed Salah.
The 17-year-old put in an impressive performance for Liverpool in what was only his ninth appearance in the Premier League this season and fourth since the turn of the year.
Slot has also given Ngumoha minutes in both of Liverpool’s FA Cup matches so far this season, as well as two league phase matches in the Champions League.
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With Ngumoha making an impact from the bench once again for Liverpool – with the teenager scoring the winner against Newcastle United in August – Ferdinand has delivered a clear message of praise about the forward.
“Top drawer the kid Rio [Ngumoha] for Liverpool,” wrote Ferdinand on X. “Changed the game for them.
“A winger that wants to beat his man and deliver with a mix of speed and finesse.”
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge joined Ferdinand in praising Ngumoha and called on Slot to hand the teenager more minutes in the future.
NOTTINGHAM, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: (THE SUN OUT, THE SUN ON SUNDAY OUT) Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool runs with the ball whilst under pressure from Neco Williams of Nottingham Forest during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at City Ground on February 22, 2026 in Nottingham, England. (Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
Rio Ngumoha played a key role in helping Liverpool beat Nottingham Forest(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
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“Every time I watch Rio Ngumoha, he looks electric,” Sturridge wrote on X. “Direct, fearless, always trying to affect the game. He deserves more minutes. Simple as that.”
Jamie Carragher also noted the impact that Ngumoha made from the bench in Liverpool’s win over Forest, and also called on the teenager to get more opportunities for the Reds.
"Ngumoha did more in 15 minutes than Salah and [Cody] Gakpo did before that,” Carragher said on Sky Sports. “He changed the game and needs to be starting games.
“There's no one better in getting last-minute winners in the Premier League - and that is Liverpool."
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