Rio Ngumoha was a big topic of discussion in Andoni Iraola's post-match press conference after Liverpool's Champions League win over Villarreal
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 20: Rio Ngumoha left winger of Liverpool and England is replaced and greets to Andoni Iraola head coach of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD3 match between Liverpool FC and Villarreal CF at Anfield on October 20, 2026 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Rio Ngumoha is embraced by Andoni Iraola after the Liverpool winger was brought off after running Villarreal ragged (Image: Jose Hernandez/Anadolu via Getty Images)
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Andoni Iraola believes Rio Ngumoha is “in a great place” after the teenager inspired Liverpool to another Champions League comeback victory.
Ngumoha, making only his third start in the competition, produced a man-of-the-match display as the Reds came from 2-0 down to beat Villarreal 4-3 at Anfield on Tuesday evening.
The 18-year-old provided assists for Ronald Araujo to equalise and Alexis Mac Allister to edge Liverpool in front, and was greeted with a standing ovation on his substitution 16 minutes from time.
And Iraola believes the young winger is still far from the finished article as he praised the hunger of the player to keep developing.
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“I am very happy with his attitude because he tries to improve the things we think he needs to improve,” said the Liverpool head coach, whose side had also come from behind to beat Atletico Madrid on the opening matchday in the Champions League. “He is eager to add more things to his game.
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“He has changed the sides a lot, he has played a lot on the right. Lately he is feeling so comfortable now and is having some shots with the left foot. He hasn’t scored yet but he is getting there and if he adds small things to his game it will put him in an even better position.
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“That’s the good thing with Rio is he is still 18, he is not the full package, he can add things fortunately for us. Hopefully he can continue in the same way. He’s not always going to be like this, he will have ups and downs in the process.
“But I’m happy because attitude-wise I think he’s in a great place.”
Iraola was particularly impressed with Ngumoha embracing his defensive work, particularly during a first half in which George Mikautadze and Sergi Cardona put the visitors in control until Mac Allister pulled a goal back leading up to half-time.
“He was coming from a very good game the other day in the second half against Brentford,” said the Reds boss. “Today he didn’t have an easy game also because they (Villarreal) were demanding him defensively, the left-back was attacking a lot.
“But there was a moment offensively where he has been very difficult to stop. If we can put Rio in situations one-v-one where he can get into the box, he normally makes plays and produces things and he had the assist for Alexis.
“It’s a lovely play. He could have gone down for a penalty but he decides to continue and it was a great decision.”
Only once has Ngumoha played more this season than the 74 minutes he managed against Villarreal, and Iraola added: “Endurance-wise he is able to play more and more minutes.
“We were pushing for him a little bit, he was tired and he has done a good effort. I’m really happy for him.”
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - AUGUST 2: Liverpool FC Head Coach Andoni Iraola concentrates after the pre-season friendly match between Liverpool FC and Leeds United at Soldier Field on August 2, 2026 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)
Liverpool's new head coach Andoni Iraola, pictured on the club's tour of the US(Michael Miller/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)