Rio Ngumoha stole the spotlight as Liverpool defeated Athletic Bilbao in a unique double-header pre-season clash at Anfield. The 16-year-old forward scored and assisted in the Reds’ 4-1 win, outshining Liverpool’s £263.5m summer signings who featured in a separate match later that evening.
Ngumoha opened the scoring in just the second minute, collecting a loose ball and curling in a stunning goal from 20 yards. Three minutes later, he assisted Darwin Nunez with a smart header from Ben Doak’s cross. His impressive dribbling and sharp movement caused Bilbao endless problems before he exited to a standing ovation.
“He is such an excellent prospect,” said former Reds defender Gary Gillespie on LFC TV.
“The difficulty is managing expectations but it’s hard to put a lid on it.”
Gakpo, Salah and New Signings Impress in Late Kickoff
In the second match, Cody Gakpo scored twice and an own goal as Liverpool edged Bilbao 3-2. Mohamed Salah scored early but missed a second-half penalty. Manager Arne Slot fielded £263.5m worth of summer signings, including Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, Jeremie Frimpong, Milos Kerkez, and Giorgi Mamardashvili.
“In both games we created a lot of chances and scored seven goals. That’s very pleasing to see,” said Slot.
Ngumoha Could Get Premier League Breakthrough This Season
Ngumoha, who joined Liverpool from Chelsea last summer, has now contributed in several pre-season matches. He scored against Yokohama F. Marinos and assisted against AC Milan.
“Rio is showing things every time in pre-season,” said Slot.
He made history in January by becoming Liverpool’s youngest-ever starter at 16 years and 135 days old. That FA Cup appearance remains his only competitive outing, but things could change soon.
With Diogo Jota’s tragic passing and Luis Diaz sold to Bayern, Ngumoha may have a real shot this season. Darwin Nunez is reportedly a Saudi Pro League target, and Liverpool’s £110m bid for Alexander Isak has been rejected.
“I’m not trying to rush because I’m still only young,” Ngumoha said recently.
“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.”
Blues legend John Terry once wrote: “This boy is and will be a top player.”
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