Liverpool’s pre-season double-header against Athletic Bilbao saw teenage forward Rio Ngumoha steal the spotlight at Anfield. The 16-year-old scored and assisted within five minutes of kickoff, leading the Reds to a dominant 4-1 win in the opening game.
Ngumoha struck in the second minute with a brilliant solo run and curling finish from outside the box. Moments later, he headed down a cross from Ben Doak to set up Darwin Nunez for the second. His quick feet and confidence on the wing troubled the Bilbao defence throughout his time on the pitch.
He left the field midway through the second half to loud applause from the Anfield crowd.
“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.”
Gakpo Nets Twice as Slot’s First XI Seal Second Win
Later in the evening, Liverpool’s first team edged a 3-2 win in the second fixture. Cody Gakpo scored two goals and unfortunately one own goal. Mohamed Salah opened the scoring but missed a penalty.
Manager Arne Slot used the match to debut £263.5m worth of summer signings—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’s Rise Offers Hope Amid Forward Line Changes
Ngumoha, who joined Liverpool from Chelsea’s youth system last year, has stood out in multiple pre-season games. He previously scored against Yokohama F. Marinos and assisted against AC Milan.
“Rio is showing things every time in pre-season,” said Slot.
The young winger became Liverpool’s youngest-ever starter in January, featuring in an FA Cup win over Accrington at just 16 years and 135 days old. However, he is yet to appear in a Premier League fixture.
With Luis Diaz moving to Bayern Munich, Diogo Jota’s tragic death, and Darwin Nunez attracting Saudi interest, Ngumoha may get more chances this season. Liverpool’s attempt to sign Newcastle’s Alexander Isak was also rejected after a £110m bid.
“I’m not trying to rush because I’m still only young,” Ngumoha 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.”
Former Chelsea captain John Terry once said: “This boy is and will be a top player.”
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