Rio Ngumoha’s performance against Tottenham didn’t just excite Liverpool fans, it also drew praise from Gary Lineker, who highlighted a striking similarity between the teenager and one of the world’s best players.
The 17-year-old impressed during his first Premier League start, showcasing sharp movement and a willingness to attack defenders.
His display stood out in an otherwise underwhelming team performance, with many noting how dangerous he looked whenever he had the ball.
Speaking about Ngumoha, Lineker was careful not to overhype the youngster but still pointed out a key trait that mirrors Kylian Mbappe’s style.
“I don’t want to get carried away. I’m not comparing him, but I’m saying that he’s got that stop-start sharpness of Mbappe.”
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— EuroFoot (@eurofootcom) March 17, 2026
That ability to accelerate, pause, and then burst forward again makes Ngumoha particularly difficult to defend against. It’s a quality often seen in elite attackers, and one that could become a major asset if developed correctly.
Lineker also emphasised the teenager’s confidence, noting how comfortable he looked taking on opponents.
“I’m not saying he’s Mbappe. Not because obviously he’s one of the great players, but he’s got enormous potential. He wasn’t scared to take people on.”
Ngumoha came close to making a decisive impact, narrowly missing with a couple of efforts. His overall display left a strong impression, with Lineker describing it as “really special” while also questioning the decision to substitute him.
The excitement around Ngumoha continues to grow, but there is still a long way to go before he reaches the level of players like Mbappe. For now, though, the signs are encouraging—and if he continues to develop, Liverpool may have a serious talent on their hands.
