**Liverpool legend John Barnes believes Rio Ngumoha is “at the right club” after scoring the winning goal against Newcastle on Monday night.**
The 16-year-old became the Reds’ youngest ever scorer after securing the 3-2 win at St James’ Park. Asked about Ngumoha’s potential, Barnes said he trusts his former team to manage the [**teenager**](https://walkon.com/blog/liverpool-transfer-news-isaac/) in the correct manner:
“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.”
Liverpool fell out with Chelsea over the Ngumoha deal
-----------------------------------------------------
The youngster made the switch from Stamford Bridge at the start of last season, and while the transfer was approved by the FA, his former club were not happy about the decision.
It is believed that the Blues banned Liverpool scouts from attending youth games as a consequence of Ngumoha’s move to Anfield, and a tribunal has still not decided how much the Reds will ultimately pay for him.
What did Slot say about the winger?
-----------------------------------
Speaking in a post-match interview, head coach Arne Slot praised Ngumoha for the confidence he exhibited after being put on as a substitute:
“He’s a player that can finish really well for his age. How firm his shot was, you don’t see this often for a 16-year-old. I did hear someone afterwards in the dressing room, I won’t say who, said they would have taken that ball, have a first touch, then finish it off. But he is so confident.”
Fans will be hoping that the winner against Newcastle is just one of many that Ngumoha will score in a Reds shirt.
[**Read more about the Liverpool First Team Squad for 2025/26 here**](https://walkon.com/blog/liverpool-first-team-squad/)