Rio Ngumoha helps Liverpool mount comeback against Villarreal

Rio Ngumoha helped Liverpool come back against Villarreal on Tuesday, providing two assists in a 4-3 victory. Football Presse describes the display as a Liverpool record in European competition: at 18 years and 52 days, Ngumoha became the club’s youngest player to provide an assist in the competition, according to Opta statistician Michael Reid.

Two goals behind, the Reds pulled one back just before the break. Ngumoha sent a delivery across the area, which Ronald Araújo met to make it 2-2. In the second half, the winger drove at Villarreal’s defence before crossing for Alexis Mac Allister to put Liverpool ahead. Mac Allister scored twice in total, while Florian Wirtz added Liverpool’s fourth.

For Ngumoha, the team’s result mattered more than the personal milestone. After the match, he said the side had never stopped believing despite falling behind. “It was a top performance from the boys. We were two goals down but the mentality was always there; it came from within and we knew we were going to win. 4-3, delighted with the win,” he said.

The young winger also praised his own display while recognising his teammates’ contribution. “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.” Asked about taking on defenders, he said he looked to do so whenever the opportunity arose: “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.”

Ngumoha also credited training and the support of the coaching staff and players with helping his development on the right wing. “The coaching staff and all the players believe in me. Slowly and slowly I’m getting better on the right,” he said. He described the crowd’s reception as a dream: “To hear my name being chanted is a dream.”

Replaced by Bradley Barcola in the 74th minute, he left the pitch as “Rio, Rio, Rio” rang around Anfield. Former Liverpool forward Daniel Sturridge praised his performance as “magnificent”. Ngumoha, meanwhile, brought the focus back to the team’s achievement: “These records are amazing to break but the assist so we win is the most important thing.”