At the age of 16, Rio Ngumoha wrote his name in Liverpool history when he scored the decisive goal against Newcastle in the early morning of August 26, becoming the youngest player of the "Red Brigade" to score in the Premier League and the fourth youngest player to score in the history of the tournament. From being a hope at Chelsea, Ngumoha has now emerged as a special phenomenon of English football.
Rio Ngumoha scored a great goal for Liverpool
Rio Ngumoha from Chelsea to Liverpool
Born in Newham, London in 2008, Ngumoha is of Nigerian and French descent from his father and mother. He joined the Chelsea academy at the age of 8 and was quickly recognised for his skillful technique and intelligent footballing mind.
The goal this young man scored for Chelsea in the 2024 England U17 Championship final against Wolverhampton U17 is considered a "rare commodity" at such a young age.
Ngumoha scores in England U17 final
However, in September 2024, Liverpool created a big surprise when they successfully convinced this player to leave Chelsea. The Anfield team even broke the salary cap for young players to get Ngumoha's signature. That decision quickly proved its worth.
Ngumoha shines, Liverpool is Chelsea's "pain"
Rio Ngumoha sets records again and again
On 11 January 2025, Ngumoha was introduced in the starting line-up against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup, becoming Liverpool's youngest ever player to play in a major tournament, at the age of 16 years and 135 days. Less than eight months later, the teenage striker produced the performance of his life at St. James' Park.
Rio Ngumoha silences St James' Park with 90+10 minute goal
In the 90+10 minute, with Liverpool deadlocked after Newcastle equalised after leading 2-0, Ngumoha took advantage of the opportunity to finish coolly, bringing a thrilling victory. Ngumoha's precise finish - assisted by Dominik Szoboszlai after a pass from Mohamed Salah - secured a 3-2 victory for Liverpool against hosts Newcastle right at St James' Park. Ngumoha had only come on for Cody Gakpo four minutes earlier, but his immediate impact stunned the Premier League television audience.
For Liverpool fans, Ngumoha himself has left a strong impression since the summer.
The left-winger scored a stunning opener and then set up Darwin Nunez for Liverpool's second in a 4-1 friendly win over Athletic Bilbao at Anfield.
Ngumoha scored a great goal in the friendly match at the beginning of the season against Bilbao
Ngumoha's "superb" performance became the talk of Liverpool fans. Ngumoha added another assist and goal during the Asian tour when Liverpool faced AC Milan and Yokohama F. Marinos respectively.
Rio Ngumoha's promising play
Right-footed but usually on the left wing, Ngumoha is capable of cutting inside and creating chances. His style is reminiscent of Eden Hazard: speed, dribbling ability, good balance and decisive shooting. At youth level, he averaged 12.9 dribbles per 90 minutes with a success rate of 63.6%, while contributing nearly a goal or assist per 90 minutes.
Not only possessing excellent individual techniques, this young player also shows maturity in choosing solutions when to break through on his own, when to pass for teammates to finish. It is this comprehensiveness that helps him quickly gain the trust of the coaching staff.
Fast, strong, technically proficient, Ngumoha's future is truly open.
John Terry - former Chelsea captain - rated Ngumoha as "a priceless asset that Chelsea missed". At Liverpool, alongside seniors like Mohamed Salah, the 16-year-old player will certainly be guided to grow up quickly.
With British, Nigerian and French citizenship, his international options are wide open. Ngumoha is currently playing for England U17s, and many believe he will soon be called up to the senior side.
Liverpool's senior stars share joy with the team's youngest player
Rio Ngumoha's journey has only just begun, but what he has shown has convinced even the most demanding. From "Chelsea boy" to "Anfield hero", Ngumoha promises to bring many more brilliant milestones to Liverpool and world football.
Source: https://nld.com.vn/con-sot-mang-ten-rio-ngumoha-tai-san-co-ngoai-hang-anh-196250827082718756.htm
Comment (0)