Legendary Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson waxed lyrical in praise of Rio Ngumoha after the Nigeria-eligible youngster delivered a Man-of-the-Match display in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Fulham at Anfield, Footynaija.com reports.
Making Arne Slot’s Premier League starting XI for only the second time this season, Ngumoha made his presence felt in the 36th minute when he broke the deadlock with a wonderfully curled right-footed effort. He also played a huge part in the build-up to Mo Salah’s goal to double the lead four minutes later.
That goal put Liverpool in control after a fiercely contested opening half hour and made the 17-year-old the youngest player to ever score a Premier League goal for the Reds at Anfield.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Robertson, who has won two PL titles, the Champions League, the FA Cup and two EFL Cups during his nine-year stay at the Merseyside club described Ngumoha as an unbelievable talent with a big future.
“He’s unbelievable. It just shows you sometimes don’t listen to the experienced players, I was screaming at him to say that I’m coming on the overlap,” the Scotland international said.
“Then he just goes and cuts inside, it’s a great finish, great performance by him. He just keeps learning and listening, he’s such a good kid. Him and Trey (Nyoni) are a pleasure to work with and they listen to all the lads.
“You can just see them improving all the time. He’s got a big future ahead of him, but here and now is pretty good as well.”
Crucially, that result helped Liverpool end an abysmal run of three consecutive defeats across all competitions and significantly boost their chances of securing qualification for the Champions League next season.
