Rio Ngumoha can make Champions League history in Liverpool vs Atletico Madrid
Rio Ngumoha has enjoyed a superb breakthrough for Liverpool so far this season, with Arne Slot keen to hand the youngster first-team minutes.
It was a dream Premier League debut when Ngumoha scored a stoppage-time winner against Newcastle United in August.
And the winger has continued to be involved for Slot’s team, appearing off the bench as Liverpool beat Burnley 1-0 on Sunday.
The Reds completed a huge coup by signing the youngster from Chelsea last year, with the 17-year-old believing he would have a better chance of playing first-team football with the Premier League champions.
And so far, that decision looks to have been justified, with Ngumoha selected in Liverpool’s Champions League squad over Federico Chiesa.
Rio Ngumoha can become the youngest-ever Champions League scorer
Ngumoha became Liverpool’s youngster-ever scorer when he found the net against Newcastle, also ranking fourth in the list of youngest-ever Premier League scorers.
But the finish was more reminiscent of one of an experienced pro, with the youngster confidently striding up to the ball before powering home to give the Reds a late winner.
The goal backed up what was an impressive pre-season for Ngumoha, in which he featured extensively and clearly caught the eye of Slot.
And now the youngster will have the chance to make more history, should he be given the chance.
| Youngest Champions League scorers | Age |
| Ansu Fati | 17 years 40 days |
| Lamine Yamal | 17 years 68 days |
| George Ilenikhena | 17 years 119 days |
| Antonio Nusa | 17 years 149 days |
| Peter Ofori-Quaye | 17 years 194 days |
If Ngumoha scores against Atletico Madrid on Wednesday, or indeed against Galatasaray at the end of September, he will become the youngest goal-scorer in Champions League history.
The current record is held by Barcelona forward Ansu Fati, who scored just 40 days after his 17th birthday.
Rio Ngumoha has earned the trust of Arne Slot
Many were shocked when it was announced that Ngumoha would appear in the Champions League squad in place of Chiesa.
The latter is an established professional at 27, having signed for Liverpool last summer from Juventus.
But such is the level of belief that Slot clearly holds in Ngumoha that the Dutchman was more confident that the 17-year-old would be able to make an impact for the Reds.
And with just two other wingers in the squad for Liverpool, the England youth international is certain to play.
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