Liverpool have found a new hero in 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, and he is dreaming big looking ahead, making a bold prediction about his future.
The Reds didn’t deserve to win 3-2 away to Newcastle United on Monday evening, but their teenage star secured a dramatic victory deep into stoppage time.
It was a stunning moment from Ngumoha, who has already lit up pre-season for Liverpool, and he has the potential to reach huge heights.
In fact, some comments from Ngumoha last year have been unearthed [via Transfermarkt], with the winger saying he aims to win the Ballon d’Or and be a true great one day:
“I really believe I can win the Ballon d’Or one day. I want to be regarded as one of the best players to ever play football and be a legend of the game.”
After Monday’s game, journalist Lewis Steele also highlighted just how highly Liverpool think of Ngumoha as an immediate squad option, saying on X:
“A reminder that Liverpool have been linked with Rodrygo and Bradley Barcola recently. From credible sources as well. The reply when we check the legitimacy of these stories is always ‘no, we have Rio Ngumoha’. Tonight is just a little glimpse into why the club have that view.”
How good can Ngumoha become for Liverpool?
Predicting Ngumoha’s career trajectory at Liverpool is impossible, with injuries so often potentially holding young players back, for example.
On current evidence, though, the Reds have one of their most exciting prospects in decades on their hands, with his confidence and quality at such a young age drawing comparisons with the likes of Robbie Fowler, Michael Owen and Rio Ngumoha.
Ngumoha’s finish at Newcastle was one of a seasoned veteran rather than a teenager, with the Englishman nervelessly firing an effort past Nick Pope.
As Steele alludes to, there is a reason why Liverpool don’t desperately want to sign a Luis Diaz replacement on the left flank, with Ngumoha seemingly already considered a genuine squad option there, providing competition for Cody Gakpo.
Seeing him aim to win the Ballon d’Or is great to see, showing big ambition, and if he can even get close to that achievement, the Reds will have a special talent on their hands.