Liverpool's latest news sees Rio Ngumoha discuss his lofty ambitions
Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha
Liverpool have high hopes for young winger Rio Ngumoha(Image: Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
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Liverpool fans have had cause for celebration this week despite the ongoing international break. While the Premier League is set to return next week, numerous Reds stars have been in action for their countries during the Nations League group stage.
The likes of Virgil van Dijk, Ryan Gravenberch, Dominik Szoboszlai and Milos Kerkez have been busy representing their countries, but it was the match-winning performance of Florian Wirtz on Thursday that left supporters hoping for his speedy return to Merseyside.
The midfielder scored and assisted in Germany's 2-0 win over Serbia to mark Jurgen Klopp's first win in charge of the national team. It's been a difficult start to the season for the £116million man, but his boost in confidence could be just what the 23-year-old needs to finally announce himself at Anfield.
Rio Ngumoha ambition
Rio Ngumoha in England training
Rio Ngumoha has long had lofty goals for himself(Image: The FA/Getty )
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Rio Ngumoha made another positive stride in his promising career when the 18-year-old featured in England's 2-0 win against Czechia earlier this week to mark his competitive debut for the Three Lions.
The Liverpool winger became the nation's third-youngest competitive debutant, behind only Wayne Rooney (17 years and 156 days) and Jude Bellingham (17 years and 269 days). However, it was a debut that Ngumoha admitted he knew he'd achieve.
Speaking to ITV Sport, the teenager revealed just how much conviction he has in his ability and drive. He said: "I definitely had the confidence and the belief to think that I could definitely wear an England shirt at 18. Did I think it'd be the first camp? Maybe not, but I definitely knew one day I'd play when I was pretty young."
Speaking of his ambitions for the future, the young Liverpool star added: "Jude is already probably the best midfielder in the world at this point. He definitely believed he would play for England at 17, same as Wayne Rooney. What he did for his club, his country, hopefully, I can do the same. It's going to be a good journey, I think."
Klopp's Wirtz blueprint
Germany's coach Jurgen Klopp congratulates Germany's midfielder #17 Florian Wirtz after the UEFA Nations League Group A2 between Germany and Serbia at the Allianz Arena in Munich
Jurgen Klopp and Florian Wirtz shared a hug after Germany's victory(Image: AFP via Getty Images)
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Jurgen Klopp's maiden win as Germany boss coincided with Florian Wirtz running the show in the 2-0 victory at home against Serbia. The Liverpool star's shot in the 39th minute hit the post with Tom Bischof netting the rebound, before he scored a stunning goal himself to double the lead in the second half and net his first goal of the 2026/27 season.
To make things sweeter, Wirtz was handed the captain's armband after Serge Gnabry came off in the second half. The attacking midfielder admitted Klopp's set-up - with Aleksandar Pavlovic and Bischof playing behind him - allowed him to flourish.
In what could be something for Iraola to take note of in order to unlock Wirtz at the club level, the Germany star said after the game: "We got almost everything right today. Wearing the captain’s armband is something special.
"It makes you proud. I just tried to give everything I had on the pitch. The players around me also made it very easy for me today. There was a lot of movement in our game, and we were all eager to play football. That makes it easier to shine."
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