On Monday, Rio Ngumoha became the fourth youngest goalscorer in Premier League history, just four days shy of his 17th birthday.
His first time finish into the right corner to win the game in the 100th minute against Newcastle will likely be the first of many dazzling moments in his career, given the rave reviews he has had at youth level.
Having fallen through the net of talents that have come out of Cobham, Ngumoha was poached by Liverpool last September.
Despite his age, he quickly went from the U18 team to the U21, before training with the first team. He played 70 minutes as Liverpool beat Accrington Stanley 4-0 and impressed.
He firmly established himself in Arne Slot’s plans in pre-season, starting the first friendly against Preston, assisting a goal in a 4-2 loss to AC Milan, scoring against J league side Yokohama F.Marinos and getting a goal and an assist against LaLiga’s Athletic Club.
Slot said: “The moment he came in he’s done so well in pre-season, has impacted many games. He’s not afraid to play, wherever he is.
“It was a great goal for a 16-year-old. Rio (Ngumoha) can finish so well for his age.
“I did hear someone say afterwards in the dressing room he would have taken a first touch but he is so confident.”
Not only his finishing, but his dribbling has caught the eye during his time at Liverpool. He’s a skillful, confident dribbler who likes to take players on and beat them, with a great burst of pace.
His decision-making, ability with both feet and vision are all great, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if he gets plenty of football this campaign across all competitions.
With the emergence of Max Dowman at Arsenal who is surely going to smash the record for the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history (he doesn’t need to score until next September), it’s a good thing for the league that in spite of the net spends across clubs, academy gems are still able to breakthrough and have an impact.
Given Chelsea’s pursuit of Jamie Gittens and Alejandro Garnacho this summer, it is a wonder if they regret letting Ngumoha slip through their fingers, who would’ve been another Cobham success story at Stamford Bridge.
Alas, Liverpool get to enjoy the fruits of his labour, and the sky is the limit as he looks to have a breakout campaign in the division.
