Rio Ngumoha has been one of Liverpool’s brightest sparks this pre-season, and fans are already drawing comparisons to Mohamed Salah — not for playing style, but for the sense that Chelsea may have let another future star slip through their hands.
The 17-year-old forward stole the spotlight once again as Liverpool’s second-string side cruised to a 4-1 victory over Athletic Club in their first of two friendlies at Anfield.
Ngumoha needed just two minutes to make an impact, collecting a loose ball in his own half before surging forward and curling a spectacular finish into the far corner from 20 yards out.
Moments later, he assisted Darwin Nunez with a smart cushioned header from Ben Doak’s cross.
Ngumoha’s pre-season tally now stands at three goals and two assists in five appearances, including a goal against Yokohama F. Marinos and an assist against AC Milan in the Asian leg of Liverpool’s tour.
His fearless dribbling and flair were on full display once again, earning him a standing ovation as he was subbed off midway through the second half.
“He is such an excellent prospect,” said former Liverpool defender Gary Gillespie on LFC TV. “The difficulty is managing expectations but it’s hard to put a lid on it.”
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Ngumoha shines at Liverpool, Chelsea regretting again
Ngumoha is not a product of Liverpool’s academy. He joined from Chelsea last summer, and Blues icon John Terry predicted: “This boy is and will be a top player.” That prophecy looks well on its way to fulfillment.
The teenager already made history in January, becoming Liverpool’s second-youngest ever player at 16 years and 135 days old.
Yeah Rio seriously needs to be involved in match day squads frequently, he’s seriously an unbelievable talent
— 𝐀𝐥𝐞𝐱 🧏🏽♂️ (@LFC_Jota20) August 4, 2025
It's only pre season and not a full Bilbao team, but Rio's trajectory is such that the caveat could soon become "it's only a bottom half PL team or it's only the League Cup."
— John O'Sullivan (@NotoriousJOS) August 4, 2025
With Luis Diaz sold, Diogo Jota tragically lost in a car crash, and Darwin Nunez attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, a door may be opening for Ngumoha in the first team.
“I’m not trying to rush because I’m still only young,” Ngumoha said last week.
“But at the same time, I just want to show the manager what I can do and not get too complacent. I just want to do bigger and better things for me and the club.”
The signs are clear: if he keeps this up, Liverpool might just have their next Anfield gem—and Chelsea may live to regret it.
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