Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha has discussed the impact his family has had on his rise to the first team at the club, as he continues his progression in the early years of his career.
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool during the during the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and AS Monaco
Rio Ngumoha has discussed his family's influence on him at Liverpool(Image: (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images))
Rio Ngumoha has explained how his family has helped him reach the Liverpool first team, giving specific mention to his brother's sacrifice in helping him make it with the Reds.
The 17-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign at Anfield last season, making 29 appearances for the senior team across all competitions, scoring twice and assisting once in that time. Both goals proved memorable as well, the first coming in the second clash of the season against Newcastle in stoppage time, before the second against Fulham in April.
Much more than his output, Ngumoha proved his quality with his displays on the ball, taking on the opposition full-back with the confidence and skill of someone with many more years of experience under his belt. There is some hope that the winger will be able to become a regular starter under Andoni Iraola as part of a new era at Anfield, but there is still some work to do.
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The summer break has allowed Ngumoha to reflect on his journey at Liverpool so far, spending some time with family after making his England senior debut in a friendly match.
Speaking on All Red Video, the star said on his family's influence: "I'm always smiling when I talk about my family. My mom, I love her so much. She's always taking me to training, cooking, and always helping my friends and my brother."
There was also some specific mention of his brother, who he revealed dropped out of school and quit a job to help the winger make it at Anfield.
He continued: "He's my agent, my brother and my best friend. He's always believed in me since I was young. When he was about my age, he dropped out of school to help me. I remember he actually quit a job as well – he was working at a clothing store.
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool
Rio Ngumoha is looking to build on his breakthrough season at Liverpool(Image: Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
"He was just training me then every day in the summer since I was about six. The work never stops, and he always believed in me. He installed a mentality of never give up and just believe that you'll be one of the best."
It has all played into the way Ngumoha has managed to grow from an academy prospect at Chelsea and Liverpool into a first-team star for the latter.
The upcoming season offers a chance for the 17-year-old to kick on and build on the previous campaign, becoming a more regular source of goals and assists.
There could be some challenges, with the potential arrival of Bradley Barcola set to add competition on the left side, while he may be moved to the right flank moving forward.
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It all sets up a promising campaign ahead, with plenty of excitement for Ngumoha moving forward.