Liverpool`s considerable summer transfer investments promised an entertaining season, and the early Premier League matches have indeed showcased the reigning champions` flair for dramatic finishes, often relying on a diverse array of talents. This trend vividly continued when 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha, a rising star from within the club rather than a high-profile acquisition, marked his Premier League debut with a spectacular winning goal in the 100th minute (the 10th minute of stoppage time). This decisive strike secured Liverpool a thrilling 3-2 victory over Newcastle United on Monday.
Ngumoha entered the match in the 96th minute, joining an already topsy-turvy encounter. Liverpool had initially built a comfortable 2-0 lead and played with a man advantage from the 46th minute. However, their often-vulnerable defense allowed Newcastle to stage a comeback, leveling the score by the 88th minute. While manager Arne Slot chose to keep Mohamed Salah on the pitch in the dying moments, other key attackers like Florian Wirtz, Hugo Ekitike, and Cody Gakpo had already been substituted before Ngumoha made his pivotal appearance.
His brief yet unforgettable cameo culminated in the 100th-minute winner, a testament to exceptional team coordination. Mohamed Salah initiated the attack from the right side of the penalty area, sending the ball towards Dominik Szoboszlai. The Hungarian international executed a clever dummy, allowing the ball to reach an unmarked Ngumoha, who wasted no time. With remarkable precision, he clinically slotted the ball into the net, just inside the post. This historic goal, scored merely four days before his 17th birthday, established Ngumoha as the Premier League`s youngest-ever match-winner. Let`s delve deeper into the journey of Liverpool`s newest teenage sensation.
Rio Ngumoha`s Rapid Ascent at Liverpool
Ngumoha began his youth career in Chelsea`s esteemed academy but transferred to Liverpool in the summer of 2024 following an alleged contract disagreement with the Blues. Prior to his move, he had already demonstrated his scoring prowess, notably netting a goal in Chelsea`s 3-1 win against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the U-17 Premier League Cup. Even former Chelsea captain John Terry recognized his immense potential, publicly stating on social media that `this boy is and will be a top player.`
Manager Arne Slot quickly integrated Ngumoha into the first-team environment. He frequently trained with the senior squad throughout the 2024-25 season and made his professional debut during Liverpool`s FA Cup third-round triumph over Accrington Stanley. At just 16 years and 135 days old, Ngumoha became Liverpool`s second-youngest debutant, surpassed only by Jerome Sinclair. His impressive form continued during the senior team`s preseason tour of Asia this summer, where he contributed an assist in a friendly against AC Milan and found the back of the net against Yokohama F. Marinos.
Ngumoha`s Development in Liverpool`s Youth Ranks
Despite his regular involvement with the senior squad, Ngumoha also dedicated significant time during his first year at Liverpool to their Premier League 2 team. He made eight appearances, starting seven, and scored two goals, even though the team finished 16th and faced an early elimination in the playoffs.
Arne Slot`s Assessment of Ngumoha During Preseason
During the preseason tour, where Ngumoha`s goal and assist had already captured significant attention, manager Slot cautiously managed expectations regarding the young player`s potential. Following the victory against Marinos, Slot commented: “We`ve only played two games here, and not against Premier League opponents, but I observe him in training, I observe him playing, and the impact he consistently makes is genuinely promising.” He further elaborated, acknowledging the significant leap to top-tier football: “Playing in the Premier League, with Champions League matches every three days, presents an entirely different challenge. However, he`s undeniably a player who, if he maintains these performances, will certainly earn more minutes for Liverpool. Consistency is paramount; he needs to exhibit it every single day we`re on the pitch. Rio has consistently showcased his quality throughout preseason.”
