“I can win the Ballon d’Or.”
Rio Ngumoha marked a significant milestone in his Liverpool career as the 16-year-old became the match-winner in a thrilling encounter against Newcastle United. The Reds were on the brink of conceding a two-goal lead against 10-man Newcastle at the lively St James’ Park. Manager Arne Slot brought Ngumoha into the match just six minutes into injury time, and the young talent sealed the victory for Liverpool with a superb finish just four minutes later. With this goal, Ngumoha became the fourth youngest scorer in Premier League history and only the second 16-year-old to net a game-winning goal, following in the footsteps of Wayne Rooney. This performance announced his arrival on the grand stage, though many have recognized him as a generational talent for some time.
The English youth international made headlines when he became Liverpool’s youngest-ever player to start a match, debuting in the FA Cup against Accrington Stanley last January. His transfer from Chelsea in September created quite a stir at Stamford Bridge, as Liverpool secured one of the most highly regarded graduates from Chelsea’s academy for a nominal fee. John Terry, the Chelsea legend and former U18 coach, praised Ngumoha, stating he is already a “top, top player” destined for greatness. With a wealth of elite attacking options at his disposal, could Ngumoha become a regular starter for Liverpool?
Will Rio Ngumoha Shine in His Breakthrough Season at Liverpool?
After his move to Anfield, Ngumoha quickly caught the attention of manager Slot, showcasing his skills in regular first-team training. He was included on the bench for the Carabao Cup quarter-final against Southampton in December. He made his debut the following month, with Slot admitting that the gifted winger is astonishing. “You can see why he’s such a talent; he’s only 16 years old,” Slot remarked. “Rio has been with us for half a season, and during training, we see his exceptional qualities. He can dominate one-on-one situations, and I’m always pleased when a debutant shows what we’ve seen in training.”
Ngumoha embodies the traditional winger, relishing opportunities to attack and take on defenders. With lightning-fast feet and excellent close control, he can effortlessly outmaneuver adversaries. His blistering pace allows him to break away with confidence. Fearless and self-assured, Ngumoha has high ambitions for his future. “I truly believe I can win the Ballon d’Or one day,” he stated in an interview with Inside the Academy. “My goal is to be recognized as one of the greatest players to ever play the game and to become a legend.” The Liverpool prodigy has already made a significant impact this season, and he will cherish his winning goal against Newcastle for the rest of his life.
