When a player of Mohamed Salah’s immortal status walks through the exit doors at Anfield, he leaves behind more than just an irreplaceable void on the right flank. He leaves behind lessons, standards, and a mantle that must eventually be picked up by the next generation.
For 18-year-old Rio Ngumoha, those final months sharing a dressing room with the Egyptian King weren’t just a masterclass in elite winger play they were a transformative in what it truly takes to make it at Liverpool.
Ngumoha’s meteoric rise over the past eighteen months has been nothing short of breath-taking for anyone watching.
From becoming the youngest goalscorer in Liverpool’s illustrious history with that unforgettable, ice-cold 95th-minute 2-1 winner against Newcastle United in August 2025 aged just 16 years and 361 days to earning his senior competitive debut for England under Thomas Tuchel against Czechia in Prague, the kid's potential is sky-high.
Yet, despite all the hyperbole and electric footwork that leaves opposition full-backs clutching at air, Ngumoha remains an eager student. Speaking in an intimate interview with ITV Sport while away on international duty, the teenager opened up on the profound impact Salah had on his development before departing Merseyside earlier this year.
When asked which player has influenced his game the most, Ngumoha didn't hesitate to point toward Anfield's former talisman.
“I don’t think I really play like anyone. But when I was growing up, I was watching Neymar. He was my favorite,” Ngumoha revealed. “But in terms of learning, the player I’ve probably learned the most from is Mohamed Salah when he was at Liverpool. He taught me a lot, especially towards the back end.”
It was during those final months together on the Training Centre pitches in Kirkby that Salah took the young prodigy under his wing, imparting the uncompromising elite mindset required to transition from an exciting dribbler into a stone-cold match-winner.
“When he knew he was leaving, he helped me a lot with the mindset,” Ngumoha recalled. “He always told me, 'Rio, you know you’re a good player, but to reach the top you have to add the goals and assists.'”
That candid piece of advice hits right at the heart of where Ngumoha currently finds himself in his young career.
While his ability to beat a man is undisputed, the raw numbers tell their own story: two goals and one assist across 35 senior appearances for the Reds. Salah saw the world-class blueprint inside the teenager, but knew that modern wingers are ultimately judged by their end product.
Ngumoha’s journey to this point has required immense patience. After completing his high-profile move from Chelsea’s academy in 2024, the youngster had to bide his time under former manager Arne Slot, adapting his physical frame to the ferocious demands of senior football.
“The old manager [Arne Slot] knew I could stay here and prove myself. After the Carabao Cup [against Southampton], I didn’t really get a lot of game time because obviously I’m young and I’m learning,” Ngumoha explained. “I think I needed my body to adapt physically. But when I was on the bench, I was watching every game close and learning. Working out how I can learn from, even opposition players.”
That methodical approach and quiet patience eventually paid dividends when injuries opened up an opportunity in the turn of the year.
“I really got my big chance in January when we had a game against Leeds,” Ngumoha said. “I came on, showed what I could do, then I started against Barnsley in the FA Cup and had a little run of games. I made a proper big step when we played Nottingham Forest. Ever since then, I’ve tried to be a mainstay and take a place in the team, to show what I can do for Liverpool.”
That breakthrough stretch paved the way for international recognition. Though he remained an unused substitute during England’s stunning 7-0 demolition of Croatia over the weekend, the teenager already boasts a senior cap from Prague and will be desperate for another runout when Czechia visit Wembley on Tuesday night.
For new Liverpool boss Andoni Iraola, having a talent as raw and gifted as Ngumoha is a mouth-watering prospect as he continues to get to grips with his squad.
As Premier League action prepares to return this weekend the ultimate test awaits. Table-toppers Manchester City head to Anfield for a blockbuster a fixture that will serve as a definitive barometer for Iraola's evolving side.
If Ngumoha is called upon under the Anfield floodlights against Enzo Maresca’s side, you can bet Salah’s words will be echoing in his ear. The flair is already there now it's time to add the numbers and turn that terrifying potential into Liverpool reality.
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