Liverpool coaches are thought to have been wowed by the progress of teenager Rio Ngumoha, according to reliable journalist David Lynch.
The 16-year-old produced a dazzling performance for the Reds on Wednesday, scoring in the 3-1 win against Yokohama FM in Japan.
Ngumoha was outstanding throughout his cameo in the second half, beating players at will and looking full of confidence, leading to endless praise from supporters after the game.
Speaking on his YouTube channel on Wednesday [via Rousing The Kop], Lynch said that Liverpool’s coaches are shocked by just how much the winger is developing already.
“All the things I’m hearing from people who are around the place, out on the tour, is that there’s almost been a bit of surprise about how good Ngumoha is amongst the coaching staff, how much he’s kicked on.
“I know personally he’s worked hard going into this pre-season to make sure he was ready to grasp his opportunity, and all the word I’m hearing from people out in Tokyo is that he’s absolutely doing that on the training pitch and he’s showing it in the friendlies as well.”
Ngumoha a player with unbelievable potential
It is worth stressing that this was still only a pre-season friendly, so it is important that Liverpool fans don’t go too overboard about Ngumoha, but it is hard not to be hugely excited about him.
At just 16, he already looks stronger physically than he did last season, with his performances during the summer bordering on breathtaking at times.
Ngumoha is still extremely raw, though – if we’re being ultra-critical, it could be argued that he should have passed before scoring against Yokohama – and it is important that expectations aren’t too high going into the new Premier League season.
The teenage attacker should be seen as a fringe player who can come in and do a good job in domestic cup competitions, rather than being considered a genuinely strong deputy to Cody Gakpo, following the exit of Luis Diaz.
If Ngumoha continues on his current trajectory, though, Liverpool will have a very special talent on their hands – one who could reach great heights in the coming years.
