It was no surprise to many when Rio Ngumoha received a call up to the England training camp before the 2026 World Cup.
Liverpool’s number 73 enjoyed a sensational breakout season, injecting fresh trickery and raw dynamism into the Reds attack whenever he lined up on the left flank. Of course, no moment defined his dramatic arrival quite like August 26th coming off the bench to score a dramatic winner in a fiery 2-1 victory against Newcastle United at St James Park.
Being in and amongst the country's best is an experience that will prove to be fruitful, especially after his impressive display in he second half against New Zealand:
"I got the call-up just before the last game of the season, the technical director of the FA texted me saying, ‘I need to chat with you.’[...] I got there, then met everyone, training was top, and I got to play. It was an unreal experience I will never forget."
Not only did he play, he was voted as Player of the Match too. What a sign of things to come.
While he didn't change the outcome of the game, the 17 year old showed his confidence and just how fearless he is, constantly taking on whoever came up against him, while more senior members of the squad were unafraid to give him the ball.
During his interview with the official website, Ngumoha outlined his positive experience with the rest of the first team squad, and how seamless his integration was.
"All my teammates, all the boys, they helped me throughout the whole season. Because at the start, they just knew me as an exciting young player that’s coming up. But now I feel like they really see me as one of them, even though I’m still young and they also treat me as a young player, they also treat me like one of them as well."
Ngumoha featured for the Reds 30 times last season, popping up with two goals and one assist during the season. Not a bad start for a 17 year old.
The question on everyone's lips now is how does he improve from here? The club will have to protect him from injuries, through managing his minutes and fitness, as well as ensuring he gets enough game time to fulfil his promising potential.
There is also the question of who will be the man to replace Mohamed Salah?
Ngumoha could become an option on both wings, not only next season, but beyond. Thomas Tuchel deployed the 17 year old on the right against New Zealand, and despite his limited experience on that side of the pitch, he flourished:
" I think being unpredictable off both sides is key. Obviously, everyone knows I can play on the left, but on the right I feel like I’m improving and I’m getting better. So, yeah, definitely off the left and the right this season."
He will will take this experience with him into the 2026/27 season, and despite his great debut season, he is not content with where he's at and wants to keep improving:
"Definitely help the team out with goals and assists, but also my defensive actions as well. I’ve got to improve in both of them, but also just try to implement myself as a starter sometimes. We’re all competing for places. But it’s healthy competition. Just try to help the team as much as I can really."
The Reds have, naturally, been linked with a multitude of wingers over the course of the summer. Víctor Muñoz was signed from Osasuna, and then there were links with Ivorian Yan Diomande.
But over the past few days, Bradley Barcola rumours have been heating up. AS Monaco's Maghnes Akliouche has also been reported as a target.
This will provide the healthy competition Liverpool's number 73 mentioned, and also allow the Reds to soften the blow of the loss of Hugo Ekitike for several months.
With reports that Federico Chiesa may also be allowed to leave, there will be more and more opportunities for Liverpool's next star to flourish in the coming season.
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