Liverpool media team delete Ngumoha footage that was ’embarrassing’ for senior defenders
Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha has given a solid audition to Arne Slot in the last few weeks.
Ngumoha has left supporters stunned after a fine performance in the 3-1 friendly win over Preston (13 July), before scoring in the 3-1 victory over Yokohama F. Marinos (30 July).
Among a competitive squad that is only getting better during the summer transfer window, the 16-year-old has done well to make the first team.
With the 2025/26 campaign around the corner, the Reds reportedly won’t send Ngumoha out on loan, and it’s easy to see why after what he did to some first-team players.
Liverpool defenders again left embarrassed Ngumoha
With Luis Diaz departing for Bayern Munich, there is an opportunity for Ngumoha to force his way into the first-team setup next season.
Footage emerged of the former Chelsea youngster dribbling past first-team stars Jeremie Frimpong and Ryan Gravenberch in a training session, sending the hype into overdrive.
It isn’t the first time that the left winger has caused Liverpool‘s senior players embarrassment.
The print edition of the Daily Mail (page 75, 1 Aug) claims that there were rumours last season that Ngumoha had been excelling so much that the Liverpool media team had to delete footage to prevent embarrassment for the club’s defenders.
That was never verified, but given his recent training videos, it wouldn’t be surprising if it was true.
- Ngumoha has made one senior appearance at this point, in the 4-0 win over Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup last season.
Slot will need to be careful with the youngster, not to rush him into first-team football and not to risk him getting any career-threatening injuries.
However, he is clearly deserving of a chance in the squad, given the plaudits he has received.
Liverpool face balancing act with Ngumoha
It is important for the Reds not to risk Ngumoha getting injured while also living up to their promise of providing the winger with a path into the first team.
Supporters have seen in the past how injuries can hinder promising players’ futures, such as Liverpool’s own Michael Owen.
With Alexander Isak’s potential arrival, it is unlikely that Ngumoha will be risked, and he will have a chance to impress in the Reds’ domestic competitions.
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