Ngumoha’s time? Liverpool’s teen sensation turns heads in pre-season | OneFootball

With pre-season wrapped up and attention now turning to Sunday’s Community Shield final against Crystal Palace, one name has been generating plenty of buzz among Liverpool fans: Rio Ngumoha.

The 16-year-old forward is quickly turning heads, and after a string of eye-catching performances, it’s fair to ask: could he play a real part in the first team this season?

In Liverpool’s 4-1 win over Athletic Bilbao at Anfield yesterday, Ngumoha wasted no time making his mark. Just two minutes in, he picked up a loose ball, drove forward, and bent a lovely strike into the bottom corner from the edge of the box. Moments later, he nodded a cross into the path of Darwin Núñez, who finished from close range.

Across Liverpool’s pre-season friendlies - from Hong Kong to Japan and back to Merseyside - Ngumoha’s popped up with three goals and two assists in five appearances. That's serious output for someone who hasn’t even made their Premier League debut yet.

Now the question being whispered: Could Ngumoha actually make the first-team squad this season?

On form alone, it’s a fair shout. But let’s not pretend the path is clear, far from it. Liverpool have spent £269 million this summer and brought in some serious firepower. Florian Wirtz and Hugo Ekitike will be fighting for attacking roles, and there’s still Cody Gakpo, Mohamed Salah, Federico Chiesa and Núñez to consider. The depth is real.

That said, football doesn’t always stick to the script, well just ask Lamine Yamal. The 18-year-old’s gone from Barca B to starting for Spain in the Euros within a year. When a young player is that good, age becomes a footnote. Ngumoha may not be Yamal-level yet, but the signs are exciting.

New boss Arne Slot seems impressed too. He took Ngumoha on the full pre-season tour and has spoken cautiously about his development - probably trying to keep the pressure off. But it’s hard to ignore what’s right in front of you when a teenager is scoring goals and creating chances like a seasoned pro.

Ngumoha’s got pace, sharp feet, and the kind of calm decision-making that doesn’t usually come with being 16. He’s shown he can play off the left, link up well with the senior squad, and handle big moments. That’s a skill set that can’t be ignored.

So, could we see him in the squad for the Community Shield against Crystal Palace this weekend? There’s a decent chance - even just a spot on the bench would be another step up. And who knows where it goes from there?

He may not start regularly just yet, but with cup games, potential injuries, and five subs in the Premier League, there’s absolutely room for Ngumoha to be part of the mix this season.

And if he keeps playing like this and let’s be honest, it’ll be impossible to keep him out.