Rio Ngumoha believes pre-season is "a showcase for everyone" and the Liverpool youngster is certainly making the most of his opportunity after scoring the winning goal in the Reds' 1-0 victory over Wrexham.
After the attack peppered the Wrexham goal for much of the contest, Liverpool finally found the breakthrough through the youngster. The teenager drove into the penalty area before getting his shot away, and while he may have enjoyed a slice of fortune, a wicked deflection sent the ball looping over the helpless goalkeeper and into the net.
Whether it was talent that created the deflection or a huge slice of luck is up for debate, but the academy star certainly won't mind how it went in. Rio certainly believed he should get credit for the goal.
"I don’t know, it was a bit scruffy! But if you don’t shoot, you don’t score! So, yeah, I’ll claim that."
More importantly, the teenager sees every pre-season fixture as a chance to impress a new manager. With Iraola only beginning to assess his squad, Ngumoha recognises the opportunity in front of him. Along with several other youngsters, the players making their way through the academy have the chance to be in the squad for Premier League fixtures.Â
""These games are a really good showcase to show the manager because it's a fresh start for everyone. From the end of last season, I just want to play and start as many games as I can.""
Those performances are certainly catching the eye. Ngumoha has looked impressive and confident throughout Liverpool's tour of the United States, consistently taking on defenders, pressing with intensity and showing the attacking instincts that have long marked him out as one of the club's brightest academy prospects.
First-team role
Liverpool supporters will be eager to see more of Rio Ngumoha this season as one of the club's brightest academy prospects continues his rapid development. Last campaign, he featured predominantly on the left wing, largely because Mohamed Salah's place on the right was untouchable. However, with a potential Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo providing strong competition on the left, there could be opportunities for the teenager to spend more time on the opposite flank, as he was when he scored the goal against Wrexham.
A greater first-team role is becoming increasingly realistic. Ngumoha has already hinted that he is working hard to master the demands Iraola places on his wide players, and his performances in pre-season suggest he is adapting quickly. If he continues on his current trajectory, the youngster could become a valuable attacking option as Liverpool compete on multiple fronts this season.
Let's hope more goals come his way with the Kop End singing his name for years to come.
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