Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha had an impressive night at Anfield as the Reds came from behind to defeat Villarreal in the Champions League on Tuesday
Rio Ngumoha
Rio Ngumoha made a statement against Villarreal(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA)
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Rio Ngumoha's spellbinding performance for Liverpool against Villarreal saw him write his name in the Reds' record books. The young winger recorded two assists in the 4-3 victory and left Anfield calling his name as Liverpool came from behind on Tuesday evening.
With his opening assist, Ngumoha displaced Michael Owen to become the youngest-ever Liverpool player to score or assist in the Champions League. At 18 years and 52 days old, Ngumoha broke Owen's mark of 18 years and 324 days and with it ensured that he joined a long list of talented youngsters on Merseyside including Owen and Steven Gerrard.
In claiming two assists on the night, Ngumoha also became the third-youngest player to provide multiple assists in a Champions League game. Only Warren Zaire-Emery and Theo Walccott achieved the feat at a younger age.
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The former Chelsea academy ace's achievement saw him become the youngest Liverpool player to provide two assists in a single game since Owen did it at 18 years and 44 days against Middlesbrough in the League Cup.
"It's up there with one of the best I've played," Ngumoha said following the game. "I enjoyed myself and the team helped me a lot.
"Whenever I get the ball and there's an opportunity to go one v one or two v one, I believe in myself. I'll just keep going and be ruthless."
Rio Ngumoha (centre) is mobbed after setting up Alexis Mac Allister's second goal in Liverpool's thrilling Champions League victory over Villarreal at Anfield(Image: Nick Potts/the Press Association)
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"We have the best fans in the world and to hear my name chanted is a dream," he added.
Reds boss Andoni Iraola was very pleased with the teenager's performance and how much he has improved over the course of the season so far. "I am really happy with Rio," he said.
"He is trying to improve everything that we try to correct. He is playing a lot more on the right and he has adapted really well. He's going more inside.
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"He struggled defensively in the first half. The second half was much better. He's becoming a more complete player. He's still only 18."
Ex-Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez was also impressed and believes utilising Ngumoha on the right will benefit the club even if it means the winger scores fewer goals.
He said: "You talk about his position on the left side and the right side. I think on the right side he can pass players wide, and if you go wide you cannot cover, so he can make crosses, he can make passes.
"Maybe he’ll score less goals but I think he can make a difference."