Rio Ngumoha Draws Inspiration from Premier League Stars Amid Liverpool Contract Talks

Liverpool prospect Rio Ngumoha has stated that he is drawing inspiration from Premier League wingers Bukayo Saka and Anthony Gordon, particularly during his own development and while in discussions for a new contract with Liverpool. The 18-year-old has become a trusted player under manager Andoni Iraola, featuring prominently in recent victories, including a comeback win against Brentford and a Champions League match.

Ngumoha, who has earned three caps for England, commented on the influence of top-tier wingers. "Playing on the right (wing) was good for England but also watching the likes of Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka… they are top, top wingers," he said. "Training with them every day and just seeing what they do, that can really help me and I take some of the stuff they tell me on board and it is really helpful."

The young player is reportedly in negotiations for an improved contract at Liverpool, having joined the club in 2024 from Chelsea. Iraola has also been instructing Ngumoha to adapt to playing on both flanks, a move designed to increase his unpredictability on the field.

"To be fair (the contract) is all with my agent now. I think it is all going well. I am not too sure," Ngumoha said regarding the contract talks. "I just let the football do the talking at the end of the day, so I enjoy playing and all of that stuff is in the back of my mind really. I just play for the club, play for Liverpool and hopefully I can carry on doing well."

He further elaborated on the tactical advantage of versatility, stating, "(Playing on both sides) gives me a bit of unpredictability, so if teams see me playing, they might think I am on the left but I can offer something different on the right. So it is good, I think at a young age, being able to play off the right or the opposite side and be unpredictable, I think that is something that is really key and I am enjoying it. It is good."

Ngumoha expressed gratitude towards Iraola for opportunities, adding, "I can't thank the gaffer much more really for putting me on so early in the game and like I said, whether I start or if I come on, I just have the same mentality."

In other team news, Liverpool's Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong are awaiting scans after sustaining injuries during the match against Brentford.