Rio Ngumoha scored the decisive goal in Liverpool's pre-season win over Wrexham and his teammates have already shared their thoughts on the winger
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool
Rio Ngumoha is looking to build on his breakthrough season at Liverpool(Image: Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Rio Ngumoha has made a clear impression on his Liverpool teammates after making his first team breakthrough last season. The teenager scored his first Premier League goal shortly before his 17th birthday and has continued to go from strength to strength.
It has been almost a year since Ngumoha’s dramatic winner against Newcastle captured attention in August 2025. The Liverpool winger was used sparingly for much of the campaign, making five league starts in 19 appearances, but capped off the season with a memorable curling finish against Fulham in April.
Ngumoha was subsequently handed his England debut this summer, impressing on the right flank. The 17-year-old, who scored Liverpool’s decisive goal in their pre-season win over Wrexham, has since been used in the same position by new Reds boss Andoni Iraola.
Possessing the tactical flexibility to be effective on either wing, Ngumoha could be set for a star-making season, despite the club’s interest in Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola. The Liverpool squad have certainly agreed on their verdict over the teenage prospect’s level of ability.
A few weeks after Ngumoha’s last-gasp strike against Newcastle, the teenage sensation signed his first professional contract with the Reds. Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike was delighted to see Ngumoha commit his future to the club, commenting “Star boy” on the winger’s social media post.
Ngumoha’s second goal of the season against Fulham set the Reds on their way to a comfortable 2-0 win. However, club icon Andy Robertson was amazed at how composed the forward was during his second-ever Premier League start.
“He's unbelievable,” Robertson told Sky Sports. “It just shows you sometimes don't listen to the experienced players, I was screaming at him to say that I'm coming on the overlap.
“Then he just goes and cuts inside, it's a great finish, great performance by him. He just keeps learning and listening, he's such a good kid.
“Him and Trey [Nyoni] are a pleasure to work with and they listen to all the lads. You can just see them improving all the time. He's got a big future ahead of him, but here and now is pretty good as well.”
Rio Ngumoha celebrates scoring for Liverpool
Ngumoha scored his Premier League goal in April(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images))
View 3 Images
After the forward’s star display against Fulham, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was asked about Ngumoha potentially starting the club’s crucial Champions League tie against PSG. Trailing 2-0 from the first leg, the Reds skipper believed Ngumoha would be unfazed by the occasion. The winger was ultimately introduced in the 67th minute as the Reds suffered another 2-0 loss.
“He would take it in his stride,” Van Dijk said ahead of the PSG game. “He’s a humble kid who works hard and listens.
“He wants to improve constantly. He has big dreams. It’s down to him and the people around him to make sure that he stays like that. I’m not worried that anything will change on that front.”
Rio Ngumoha and Virgil van Dijk of Liverpool
Virgil van Dijk praised Ngumoha last season (Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)
View 3 Images
Meanwhile, Curtis Jones notably name-checked Ngumoha when asked to name the most skilful player in Liverpool training. “I’ll probably say Rio, you know,” Jones told JD Sport. “You see him every day in training. I remember the first day when he came in I was like ‘Whoa.’ He’s just shown it every day.”
It remains to be seen whether Ngumoha will be used as a rotational option or is tasked with a more of a leading role this season. However, the teenage prospect is relishing the opportunity to impress new boss Iraola during pre-season.
“All the coaching staff are just telling me to play my normal game really, whether that’s going inside or outside,” he said. “I’ve been working on it in training anyway, playing on the right and the left. Just being unpredictable really.
“On from the end of last season, I just want to play and start as many games as I can. These games are a really good showcase to show the manager, because it’s a fresh start for everyone. It’s really important and it’s good.”
Buy Blood Red, our monthly Liverpool FC print publication for just £3.50 byclicking here
Content Image
Content Image