16-year-old makes history: child prodigy overshadows Florian Wirtz at Liverpool
Arne Slot hugs his Rio.
(Photo: IMAGO/Sportimage)
While record signing Florian Wirtz is still feeling unfamiliar with his new sporting home, a 16-year-old is causing great excitement in Liverpool. Rio Ngumoha is saving the Reds at Newcastle. He could be the answer to a question that has been troubling the club all summer.
When Florian Wirtz, the man paid €150 million, had long since left the pitch after a lackluster performance, Liverpool FC's new "wunderkind" arrived. Rio Ngumoha, 16 years old, became the youngest goalscorer in the English champions' history in his Premier League debut. He scored the 3-2 winner at Newcastle United in the tenth minute of stoppage time – and was subsequently celebrated nationwide.
"His name is Rio. Liverpool's wonderkid scores in the last minute to win a Newcastle thriller," wrote the Mirror. The Liverpool Echo reported: "Liverpool's best-kept secret is now on everyone's lips in the football world after Wayne Rooney's moment." Rooney also scored for city rivals Everton at the age of 16 and subsequently launched a global career.
Can Ngumoha end the Isak saga?"What an early birthday present! Whatever Rio Ngumoha achieves in his career, it will take something more dramatic or unexpected than this remarkable entry into life as a Premier League player," the Liverpool Echo continued. Ngumoha turns 17 on Friday, when he will also sign his first professional contract. Last season, the youngster, who joined Liverpool from the Chelsea academy, played in an FA Cup match and, at 16 years and 135 days, became Liverpool's youngest player.
Now, his astonishing league debut, after Liverpool had squandered a 2-0 lead with a man advantage. "I'm very happy for Rio. I've already told him: Now it's starting," said Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk. "He has to keep working hard and stay humble, but definitely enjoy it, because nights like this aren't something you can take for granted when you're in his position."
Only three players in Premier League history were younger when they scored their first goal, including Rooney. And Ngumoha may be the answer to the transfer saga surrounding Alexander Isak, who is keen to leave Newcastle for Liverpool and was still left out on Monday evening. Liverpool would have to dig just as deep into their pockets for the Swede as they did for Wirtz. The former Leverkusen player had yet to play a decisive role in his third game for the champions. "Club record signing Florian Wirtz had no influence on the game," the Mirror judged.
Source: ntv.de, sue/dpa
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