Liverpool teenager steals show in pre-season win at Anfield | OneFootball

Ngumoha Emerges as Liverpool’s Pre-Season Standout Amid First-Team Shake-Up

Teenage brilliance steals spotlight

In a pre-season shaped by multi-million-pound arrivals and positional reshuffles, it was the quiet, explosive brilliance of a teenager that stole the spotlight at Anfield. Rio Ngumoha, still just 16, took centre stage in Liverpool’s double-header against Athletic Bilbao, producing the kind of performance that leaves coaches delighted and supporters whispering with excitement.

Ngumoha was not part of the headline match featuring the club’s £263.5 million in summer signings, but in the earlier kick-off against a rotated Bilbao side, the England Under-17 forward left his mark within minutes. A goal of stunning simplicity and vision followed by an assist three minutes later ensured fans were singing his name long before the sun set over Anfield.

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Slot, unsurprisingly measured but encouraged, said: “Rio is showing things every time in pre-season.”

Impact beyond numbers

The numbers, of course, are already impressive. In the second minute, Ngumoha turned a loose ball into an opportunity, racing from inside his own half before curling a low effort from 20 yards into the bottom corner. Minutes later, his smart knock-down teed up Darwin Nunez for Liverpool’s second.

But it is the manner of his play that has truly turned heads. Ngumoha dribbled with purpose, dictated tempo in wide areas, and rarely wasted a touch. Bilbao’s defenders looked uncertain whether to close him down or stand off, neither worked.

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He departed midway through the second half to a standing ovation, with Curtis Jones gesturing to the crowd to acknowledge him. Those who had not yet been paying attention, certainly were now.

“He is such an excellent prospect,” said former Liverpool defender Gary Gillespie on LFC TV. “The difficulty is managing expectations but it’s hard to put a lid on it.”

First-team pathway opens

Ngumoha has spent the summer making his case for inclusion in a squad that is rapidly evolving. His goal against Yokohama F. Marinos and assist against AC Milan in Asia hinted at his readiness, and this latest display will only strengthen his chances of further first-team involvement.

His debut back in January, at 16 years and 135 days old, made him the second youngest player to start a competitive game for Liverpool. That outing against Accrington in the FA Cup was brief, and he hasn’t yet made a Premier League bench. But that now feels like a formality rather than a distant milestone.

Photo: IMAGO

With Luis Diaz sold to Bayern Munich, Diogo Jota tragically lost in July, and Darwin Nunez attracting interest from Saudi Arabia, Liverpool’s attacking options are being reshaped at pace.

New signings Hugo Ekitike and Florian Wirtz offer freshness, while Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo remain vital. But beyond them, depth is suddenly a concern. In this climate, a talent like Ngumoha does not go unnoticed.

Journey from Chelsea and future hopes

Ngumoha’s journey has been rapid. Having only arrived at Liverpool from Chelsea’s academy last summer, the teenager has made every opportunity count. His decision to leave Stamford Bridge raised eyebrows, but it now looks increasingly astute.

John Terry, not one for casual praise, commented at the time: “This boy is and will be a top player.” So far, Terry’s words ring true.

Ngumoha himself remains grounded: “I’m not trying to rush because I’m still only young,” he said last week. “But at the same time, I just want to show the manager what I can do and not get too complacent. I just want to do bigger and better things for me and the club.”

The ambition is evident, but so is the maturity. The next step, whether a handful of Premier League minutes or a Carabao Cup start, feels within reach.