Although Liverpool’s high-profile summer signings topped £200 million and have yet to captivate fans, the emergence of 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha has certainly sparked some excitement.
Ngumoha, an exceptional attacking midfielder who has been on the radar of youth football for a while, showcased his talent by becoming the youngest player to start for Liverpool (at 16 years and 135 days) during a match against Accrington Stanley in January 2025, marking his first senior appearance.
Just two minutes into the game, Ngumoha scored a remarkable goal that showcased his remarkable skills. He collected the ball in his own half, brushed aside midfielder Curtis Jones, surged forward, and struck from the edge of the area.
16-year-old Ling Moha can’t stop scoring in Liverpool’s preseason 😤
What a run. What a finish. pic.twitter.com/prmgrfkoww
– CBS Sports Golazo⚽️ (@cbssportsgolazo) August 4, 2025
Initially a standout at Chelsea’s academy, Liverpool scouts struggled to gain access to Cobham after word of the club’s interest got out. However, Chelsea’s hold eventually loosened, and Liverpool secured Ngumoha’s signature last April. His performances at Under-15 level and in the UEFA Youth League enhanced his reputation.
As Ngumoha approaches his 17th birthday on August 29th, he is expected to sign his first professional contract. Liverpool seems willing to adjust its usual strict wage policies to accommodate this talented Nigerian prospect born in London.
Position
Ngumoha primarily operates on the left flank using his right foot, often cutting inside. Unlike typical wide playmakers, he doesn’t require constant ball contact to contribute; he excels at finding space to take on defenders one-on-one.
The graphic above illustrates how he initiates deep runs with take-ons, primarily impacting the left side of the final third through passing, dribbling, and shooting.
Strengths
His goal against the athletic club showcased his key attributes: excellent dribbling, an unyielding drive to perform under pressure, and the ability to score when opportunities arise. Last season, he averaged over ten attempts per game at the youth level.
Ngumoha, standing at 5 feet 7, may not be the tallest, but his compact build allows him to hold his ground in battles, and he shows fearlessness that could see him adapt to a box-to-box No. 8 role. His explosive acceleration mirrors a sprinter’s, allowing him to reach high speeds from a standing start, making him a significant threat. Remarkably, he seems quicker with the ball at his feet than without it.
He also possesses remarkable body control, often using quick feints to throw defenders off balance. Combined with his upper body strength and low center of gravity, this makes him less susceptible to being dispossessed. Unlike many of his peers, he has a definitive end product; his shooting ability from open play and set pieces adds depth to his game, earning him praise from manager Arne Slot, making him a valuable asset this season.
Ngumoha’s intelligence off the ball is commendable, as evidenced by his movements to exploit defensive blind spots and occupy space in and around the box. His assist for Darwin Nuñez against the athletic club, where he found space before delivering a well-placed pass, is a fine example of his attacking mindset.
Areas for Improvement
Ngumoha’s confidence in his abilities occasionally leads him to overexert himself. He has been known to take on multiple defenders despite slim chances of success, which can result in risky turnovers, especially against tougher opposition.
This boldness, however, is viewed positively by Slot and the Liverpool staff, who prefer proactive and expressive attackers over timid youngsters who might shy away from responsibility.
His attitude toward defensive duties is encouraging; while he is not consistently effective in pressing or recovering possession, he shows commitment to the task. His eagerness to track back and engage demonstrates promise, even if it occasionally leads to careless fouls. With more experience and guidance, he can refine his defensive positioning and timing.
Quotes
– “I’m not rushing things because I’m still young. At the same time, I just want to show my manager my capabilities and am not overly satisfied. I aspire to achieve greater things for myself and the club.” – Ngumoha discussing his future.
– “Although we’ve only played two matches (on the Asia Tour) and haven’t faced Premier League teams yet, we have been observing him during training.
“Playing in the Premier League and facing Champions League games every three days presents a different challenge. If he continues to perform well, it won’t be the last time he gets game time at Liverpool this season.” – Slot on Ngumoha’s preseason performance.
– “This boy is destined to be a top player.” – Chelsea legend John Terry commenting on Ngumoha’s signing by Liverpool on Instagram in 2024.
What Lies Ahead?
Upon Ngumoha’s arrival at Anfield, he brought with him a significant reputation. Transfers involving young players rarely attract such media buzz, reflecting the high expectations surrounding him.
Like many young talents, undue pressure could hinder his development. His continued growth, both physically and mentally, will be pivotal in the next few years, with injury and external scrutiny being the main threats to his career.
Nonetheless, there is tangible excitement surrounding Ngumoha, with many seeing him as the most promising young talent at Liverpool since Raheem Sterling in 2010.
Slot is likely to take his time with Ngumoha’s development, ensuring that Liverpool isn’t overly reliant on him this season. However, opportunity may knock for Ngumoha on the left flank after Luis Diaz’s departure to Bayern Munich this summer.
Based on his performances in preseason, he is definitely ready to rise to the challenge. – What a Lindop
Fan Take: The emergence of a talent like Ngumoha can rejuvenate a club and provide a fresh sense of hope to its supporters. His development not only impacts Liverpool’s future but could also invigorate the broader football community by inspiring other young players to strive for excellence.
