Rio Ngumoha’s daring display helps Liverpool preserve perfect Champions League record
Rio Ngumoha believes his performance in Liverpool‘s 4-3 win over Villarreal was one of his best for the senior side.
Ngumoha starred as Liverpool recovered from two goals down at Anfield to maintain their 100% record in this season’sChampions League league phase.
The 18-year-old set up goals for Ronald Araujo and Alexis Mac Allister, becoming the youngest player ever to assist a goal for Liverpool in European competition.
Ngumoha’s name was sung loudly by the Liverpool fans on a fine evening for the teenager, who admitted his display was one of his best for the Reds.
“It’s up there with one of the best I’ve played, I think. I enjoyed myself out there. The team helped me as well a lot. I enjoyed today,” he toldliverpoolfc.com.
Ngumoha played with real confidence against the Spanish side and said he has the belief to take on full-backs whenever in possession. The winger curled a brilliant ball to the far post for Araujo’s equaliser, before leaving his man in his wake to tee up Mac Allister.
“Whenever I get the ball and there’s an opportunity to go one-v-one or two-v-one sometimes, by all means I’ll do it. I believe in myself to do it. The more chances we get, the more it makes the opposition worry. I just keep going and be ruthless.”
Andoni Iraola: “That’s the good thing with Rio, he’s still 18, he’s not the full package.”
Andoni Iraola praised the attitude of Ngumoha at full-time and believes there is still so much to come from the youngster.
“I’m happy with his attitude because he’s eager to improve the things that we think he needs to improve. He’s eager to add more things to his game. He has changed the sides a lot and has played a lot on the right lately. He’s feeling so comfortable now and he’s adding even some shots with the left [foot] that he hasn’t scored but he’s getting there, and if he can add these small things to his game it will put him in an even better position.
“That’s the good thing with Rio, he’s still 18, he’s not the full package. He can add things, fortunately for us also, and I hope he continues the same way. It’s not going to be always like this, he will have ups and downs in the process, but I’m happy because attitude-wise I’m seeing him in a great place.”
