Liverpool is throwing money around this summer, but manager Arne Slot already had the big surprise of pre-season in-house. At just sixteen years old, Rio Ngumoha is clearly making his presence felt. In England, there is high praise for the talented forward, who also made an impact on Monday in the friendly against Athletic Club.
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Anfield had to wait until the second match against Spanish opposition to catch a glimpse of high-profile new signings like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitiké, and Jeremie Frimpong in action.
But by that time, the name on everyone’s lips was Rio Ngumoha. The 16-year-old forward had already lit up the opening game of Liverpool’s pre-season doubleheader with a dazzling performance that left fans and pundits alike wondering whether a new star was being born in front of their eyes.
In that first match, Ngumoha wasted no time announcing himself. Barely 90 seconds into the game, he dribbled past a defender with composure beyond his years and finished clinically to open the scoring. Moments later, he turned provider with a smart assist, showing not just flair but also vision and maturity. Liverpool would go on to win 4-1 in the early game and followed it up with a 3-2 victory later that evening. Though Ngumoha didn’t feature in the senior match alongside the club’s top names, his influence in the earlier fixture had already left a lasting impression.
The teenager’s electric start to the pre-season hasn’t gone unnoticed. In England, the media has been unanimous in its praise. The Guardian described his performance as another stand-out display and noted how supporters are already speculating about his involvement with the first team during the upcoming season. As the second-youngest player ever to feature for Liverpool in an official match, Ngumoha carries a rare distinction and he seems to be wearing it comfortably.
Stationed on the left wing, he was a constant threat against Athletic Club. His close control, confidence in one-on-one situations, and ability to manipulate space drew defenders toward him and opened up play for his teammates. Time and again, he cut inside with pace and creativity, drawing oohs and aahs from the Anfield crowd. When he was substituted midway through the second half, it wasn’t just the usual polite applause the young forward received a full standing ovation.
The Liverpool Echo recognized the quality of his performance with the highest player rating of the match an 8 out of 10. The paper noted that this was already his second goal and second assist across just four pre-season appearances. The report described his impact succinctly: "A brilliant piece of skill and finish gave Liverpool an early lead, an assist followed, and every time he got on the ball, the crowd came alive. Another very promising outing from the sixteen-year-old forward."
Among those most impressed was fellow youngster Ben Doak, who at 19 is still carving his own path into the Liverpool first team. He didn’t hold back when asked to describe Ngumoha’s display. "This guy is ridiculous," Doak told LFC TV. "And he’s still got his whole career ahead of him. He’s so sharp, so talented if he keeps going like this, anything is possible." It’s not every day that a player this young gets such glowing praise from a peer who’s also making his way through the ranks.
Manager Arne Slot echoed those sentiments. Speaking to the media, the Dutchman praised Ngumoha’s consistency in pre-season. "Rio keeps showing it every single time. He’s not just a one-off talent; he brings quality and energy in every game."
But while excitement builds around the teenage star, others urge caution. Former Liverpool defender Gary Gillespie, now a respected pundit, highlighted the challenge of managing the pressure that comes with early success. "He’s a fantastic talent, no doubt about it," Gillespie said. "But the hardest part is managing the expectations. You don’t want to overwhelm a player so young with hype. The club needs to create the right environment to let him develop at his own pace."
That’s no small task. In today’s social media age, a viral clip of a flashy dribble or a smart goal can turn a promising youngster into a global sensation overnight. Ngumoha’s name is already circulating among fan forums and YouTube compilations, with many comparing him to early-career Raheem Sterling or even Jadon Sancho. His style direct, fearless, and instinctively creative fits the mold of the modern winger who thrives in high-intensity systems like the one Slot is expected to implement.
Ngumoha joined Liverpool from Chelsea in 2023, having turned down a scholarship contract at the London club to move north. That decision, bold at the time, now appears increasingly justified. Those close to the academy say he has impressed not just with his ability but also with his work ethic and eagerness to learn.
Behind the scenes, Liverpool’s staff are treading carefully. While his inclusion in pre-season matches is seen as a reward for his progress, there’s no rush to throw him into the deep end too soon. The club’s youth development model is built around nurturing talent gradually, avoiding burnout and ensuring long-term sustainability.
Still, when a 16-year-old dominates pre-season matches the way Ngumoha has, it’s hard not to dream. For fans who packed Anfield hoping to see shiny new signings, the real gem turned out to be a homegrown one. With more friendlies ahead and the season just around the corner, the question isn’t whether Ngumoha has what it takes it’s how soon Liverpool dares to let him show it on the biggest stage.
Updated: 12:02, 5 Aug 2025
