Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
Rio Ngumoha made his second appearance for England on Tuesday evening, playing for the final 20 minutes as the Three Lions beat Czechia.
The Liverpool youngster has established himself in the thoughts of Thomas Tuchel despite some slightly limited game time with the Reds so far this season, and looks set to be a star of the national team for years to come.
Gary Lineker certainly seems to think so, anyway, and the former England striker has now made a point of praising what he saw from Ngumoha during his cameo earlier in the week.
Mohamed Salah
Lineker impressed by Ngumoha
With Czechia down to 10 men and already losing 2-0 by the time Ngumoha came on, they were always going to find him a nightmare to deal with.
As usual, the 18-year-old gave his opposition full-back no time to rest, immediately looking to be positive on the ball in his new role on the right of the attack.
Although Ngumoha himself has admitted that this is not his favoured position, he is beginning to grow into it, and according to Lineker, he is doing it very well indeed, with Liverpool supporters having plenty to be excited about with the youngster.
“I tell you who impressed me when he came on, Ngumoha,” the former striker told The Rest Is Football earlier this week.
Why Jordan Henderson deserves to be mentioned as one of Liverpool's most influential players ever
Why Jordan Henderson deserves to be mentioned as one of Liverpool's most influential players ever
Cody Gakpo's injury could have a big impact on Florian Wirtz back at Liverpool
Cody Gakpo's injury could have a big impact on Florian Wirtz back at Liverpool
READ MORE: Rio Ngumoha names the fastest player he’s ever seen while watching Liverpool
“He’s not scared to take someone on. He’s a seriously talented young player. He’s got something very, very special to be that good at that age. So yeah, Liverpool enjoy him over this season. That’s for sure.”
In terms of his stats for the match, Ngumoha did not actually impress all that much. He failed to connect with all three of his attempted crosses, while he only had one touch in the Czechia box and did not attempt any of his trademark dribbles.
Nevertheless, he was tidy with the ball, completing eight out of nine passes, while he also showed off his defensive work, making one tackle and winning two out of three duels.
Ngumoha will hopefully have far more impressive performances with Liverpool as the season progresses, but while this was not a stand out turn for him, every appearance should be seen as a step forward, and Lineker is right to be excited.
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images
Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images
Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images