Rio Ngumoha has opened up on his early days under Andoni Iraola at Liverpool, with the teenager aiming to make his first start for England during the international break
BURTON-UPON-TRENT, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 22: Rio Ngumoha of England looks on during a training session at St Georges Park on September 22, 2026 in Burton-upon-Trent, England. (Photo by Eddie Keogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
Rio Ngumoha will be aiming to make his first start for England during the international break(Image: Getty Images)
Rio Ngumoha has hailed Andoni Iraola’s impact since joining Liverpool, and suggested the Spaniard has given him an extra tool to “destroy defenders.”
The 18-year-old has established himself among the Reds’ all-star attack over the past year or so, having enjoyed a breakthrough 2025/26 campaign under Arne Slot before making five appearances so far this season, including three starts.
Despite his young age, Ngumoha has also already managed to break into the England squad, with the teenager currently away with the Three Lions after making his debut for his country before the World Cup, having been called up for pre-tournament training camp.
Having played on the right wing for his nation during the summer, Ngumoha has been utilized in the same position for Liverpool since Iraola’s arrival, and the youngster feels his game has been taken to another level under the new Reds boss.
“It's been good,” Ngumoha told talkSPORT on his early days under Iraola at Anfield.
"The gaffer at Liverpool has really been helpful. And all the coaching staff as well - I can't speak highly enough of them.
“But I'm enjoying it. I'm playing left wing, right wing as well. So it's given me another tool to destroy defenders."
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League match against Atletico Madrid
Ngumoha has made five appearances for Liverpool so far this season(Image: Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
Ngumoha will be aiming to make his first start for England during the international break, having already made his debut against New Zealand before the World Cup.
The former Chelsea youngster enhanced his reputation with a player of the match display in the pre-tournament friendly, and he will have plenty of competition for a starting place over the next couple of weeks as he vies with the likes of Marcus Rashford, Anthony Gordon, and Morgan Rogers — not that he’s in any way daunted by that challenge.
“I've just got to come here and show what I can do to everyone and just make sure everyone just understands who I am,” Ngumoha said.
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"I'm not here just to be like a side part — I want to be a mainstay in the team and hopefully I can stay.
“But there's good competition everywhere. So it's about competing with the best players in the world now."
Asked about the possibility of being selected for Euro 2028, which will be held in the U.K., Ngumoha responded: “I'd definitely like to be a part of the squad.
“I think if I just keep doing what I'm doing, whether it's with the national team or at club level, if I just keep showing who I am and how I play and keep getting goals and assists and helping the team win trophies, then definitely I'd like to be a part of the team and hopefully we can go all the way as well.”