- Rio Ngumoha set up two goals in Liverpool‘s 4-3 Champions League win over Villarreal.
- He became Liverpool‘s youngest player to score or assist in the competition, aged 18 years and 52 days.
- Talks on a new deal continue, and his current Liverpool contract runs until 2028.
- Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Sunday, with kick-off at 16:00 SAST.
Rio Ngumoha was the standout player on Tuesday as Liverpool recovered from 2-0 down to beat Villarreal 4-3 in the Champions League. The 18-year-old winger created two goals and was named player of the match.
Liverpool now return to Premier League action, with Brighton & Hove Albion due at Anfield on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Meanwhile, the teenager’s display has also put fresh focus on his contract talks.
More reading: more football news and our latest betting tips.
Rio Ngumoha: the latest
Villarreal went 2-0 up inside the first 30 minutes. However, once Alexis Mac Allister had reduced the deficit, Ngumoha floated in a ball for Ronald Araujo to equalise. He later skipped past Sergi Cardona and shrugged off Juan Foyth before teeing up Mac Allister’s second, which put Liverpool ahead.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was clearly impressed. “He was a complete threat constantly and their defender had a tough time,” Van Dijk said. He also felt Rio Ngumoha gained a lot from training with Mohamed Salah before the Egyptian left Anfield.
In addition, Ngumoha had 12 touches in the opposition box and completed seven of eight dribbles before Bradley Barcola replaced him in the 74th minute. The winger also made it clear that he backs himself when facing a defender: “I believe in myself to do it.”
Andoni Iraola praised his attitude but noted that the youngster struggled defensively in the first half. “The good thing with Rio is he is still 18,” Iraola said, so the Liverpool coach expects him to keep adding to his game.
What it means for Liverpool
Liverpool finished the transfer window with four wingers who prefer the left side. As a result, Iraola wants them comfortable on both flanks, and Ngumoha has played a lot on the right.
Goals remain an area to improve, because he has two in 39 games for Liverpool, with only 15 starts. Meanwhile, Liverpool sit fifth on 12 points after seven league games.
Rio Ngumoha betting angle
Rio Ngumoha looks set to be a key outlet when Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Sunday. His direct running could give Liverpool a steady supply of chances, so we see a case for goals.
On the other hand, Liverpool fell 2-0 behind against Villarreal, and our league records show four meetings with Brighton split at two wins each. Therefore, we would lean towards both teams scoring rather than backing a big Liverpool handicap.
Fixtures and results: Liverpool on ESPN.
Rio Ngumoha FAQ
What did Rio Ngumoha do against Villarreal?
Rio Ngumoha set up a goal for Ronald Araujo and another for Alexis Mac Allister as Liverpool won 4-3. He was also named player of the match.
Is Liverpool’s teenage winger getting a new contract?
Talks over a new deal are continuing, and it has been reported that the negotiations are going well. His current Liverpool contract runs until 2028.
When do Liverpool play next?
Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Sunday, 25 October 2026. Kick-off is at 16:00 SAST.
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