Andy Robertson has hailed Rio Ngumoha as a “special” talent after another promising performance against Wolves, saying “you don’t want to come up against him!”
The 17-year-old was arguably the Reds’ best player at Wolves on Friday night, causing the hosts’ defence all sorts of problems.
Ngumoha may not have scored or assisted, but he was consistently more dangerous than Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo, and needs to start more games.
Speaking to TNT Sports after Liverpool’s 3-1 victory at Molineux in the FA Cup, Robertson was effusive in his praise for the teenager.
"He's got everything in his toolbox to have a great career" ?
Goalscorer Andrew Robertson discusses his goal and assist in tonight's win, and the exciting future of Rio Ngumoha ?
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“I said to him before the game that I wanted to see his decision-making in this game, because he’s only young, and I thought tonight he was outstanding,” said the vice-captain.
“His decision-making was so good for a 17-year-old.
“Sometimes he wants to take the whole team on and it’s not the right time, but I thought tonight he made pretty much every right decision.
“He’s a credit to himself. He works so hard, he wants to listen to all the experienced lads. Him and Trey Nyoni train with us every single day and they are great kids, a credit to their families.
Rio Ngumoha FA Cup Wolves. March 6, 2026. PA
“I just think today he really came of age. If he puts more performances in like that, he’s just going to get more and more game time.”
When asked about what it’s like to come up against him, Robertson added: “You don’t want to come up against him, that’s for sure! Not in 1v1s anyway.
“He wants to take anyone on, he’s got quick feet, he is not scared to take anyone on. But we just keep going on at him about the decision-making because that’s what will make him a top player.
“He’s got everything in his toolbox to go and have such a special career and he’s already showing that.
“If we can help him on the way, then so be it. I thought today the experienced lads around him helped him and then he just flourished and fair play to him.”
Should Rio Ngumoha start for Liverpool vs. Galatasaray?
NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE, ENGLAND - Monday, August 25, 2025: Liverpool's Rio Ngumoha celebrates after scoring his side's winning third goal, his first competitive goal on Premier League debut becoming Liverpool's youngest ever goal-scorer, during the FA Premier League match between Newcastle United FC and Liverpool FC at St James' Park. Liverpool won 3-2. (Photo by David Rawcliffe/Propaganda)
It is always easy to go over-the-top about a young homegrown player, but Ngumoha is a huge prospect with the world at his feet.
He hasn’t been given enough playing time this season, given the struggles of Salah and Gakpo, and he was a joy to watch against Wolves, completing three out of four dribbles, per FotMob.
Ngumoha has arguably done enough to start away to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday, with plenty of fans keen on that selection happening.
The likelihood is that the winger will make way for Hugo Ekitike, and Gakpo will return to the left wing, but he is pushing hard to start more regularly.
If the more established players again struggle in Turkey, and he makes an impact from the substitutes’ bench, the calls for him to be in the XI at home to Tottenham on March 16 will only grow.
One thing’s for sure: Liverpool have a player in their ranks with the ability to match some of the past great youngsters at Anfield.