The 16-year-old was the Reds' stoppage-time match-winner in a feisty encounter at Newcastle on Monday night
Rio Ngumoha
Rio Ngumoha scored the winner for Liverpool vs Newcastle United(Image: Offside via Getty Images)
Rio Ngumoha must be allowed to 'develop gradually', according to former Liverpool legend John Barnes. The 16-year-old, who took a photograph with Barnes when he was merely seven years old, secured the Reds' dramatic stoppage-time victory in a heated clash at Newcastle United on Monday evening.
He becomes the fourth youngest player to find the net in a Premier League match, though stated following the 3-2 triumph that he won't get "carried away with all the noise". Barnes concurs, and considers Liverpool the ideal environment for his progression.
"I've heard about Rio for quite a while now," Barnes told the PA news agency. "I'm friends with his house family, where he has been since he moved up from London. My friend told me a while ago he had this boy coming from London to live with him and then he actually showed me a picture of me and Rio when Rio was about seven years old in the underground in London.
"It's been a fantastic rise for him in terms of what he did in pre-season and now coming on to score the winner, (showing) great composure in terms of the finish. So I'm pleased for him."
When questioned whether he possessed the qualities of a future England senior international, Barnes responded: "Absolutely, but let him grow slowly. We remember Theo Walcott, he was the same at 16. Let's not put too much expectation on him, and Liverpool will handle him well.
"He's not going to be a starter for Liverpool anytime soon. But to involve him in the squad, keep his feet on the ground, let him grow slowly, he's at the right club for that because Liverpool know how to handle their youngsters."
Alexander Isak's future at Newcastle dominated pre-match discussions, with the striker having voiced his wish to depart and Liverpool already seeing one offer turned down. Barnes, who on Sunday will be appearing at an exclusive event in Liverpool with Premier League player, PICO and Rezzil, says he supports the transfer window shutting before the campaign begins.
"There's just so much upheaval somewhere along the line in Premier League football, which for me isn't a good look," he added. "You want to start the season with the team that is going to go into it. Doing everything before the season starts would make more sense.
"I don't think either club has done anything wrong, because (Liverpool) want the player, (Newcastle) want the price. If an agreement isn't reached, is he going to be rehabilitated back into Newcastle? Will the Newcastle fans accept him? I have no instinct or gut feeling, because in modern football you can never tell what's going to happen."
Barnes reckons Liverpool arguably require additional reinforcement in defensive positions based on their opening displays, but commented on their chase for Isak: "This is modern football, you get players when you can. If you get an opportunity to get good players, that's what you do.
"But I think the balance has to be right for Liverpool moving forward, because I don't think we can continue to concede so many chances against the opposition."
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