Liverpool wonderkid admits he’s enjoying playing on both sides

Liverpool wonderkid admits he’s enjoying playing on both sides Rio Ngumoha contract talks progressing as Liverpool youngster thrives under Andoni Iraola There is a freshness about Rio Ngumoha that feels perfectly suited to the demands of modern Liverpool, a young forward with pace, nerve and the kind of adaptability that turns promise into genuine trust. At 18, he is already beginning to look like a player who belongs. That sense grew stronger again after Liverpool’s comeback win over Brentford, a match in which Ngumoha played a significant role, and it has been reinforced by his growing involvement under Andoni Iraola. The new Liverpool head coach has shown faith in him, both in the Premier League and in Europe, and young players tend to know when belief is real. Ngumoha looks like he knows. Rio Ngumoha finding belief at Liverpool The winger has also been absorbing lessons at international level, earning three England caps and sharing the environment with senior wide players who have already established themselves at the top of the game. He said: “Playing on the right (wing) was good for England but also watching the likes of Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka… they are top, top wingers. “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.” Those are the words of a young footballer looking up, learning quickly and understanding that talent alone rarely carries anyone far enough. Watching elite players close up can sharpen ambition, and in Ngumoha’s case it appears to be broadening his game too. Contract talks moving in the right direction Liverpool are now in discussions over a new contract for Ngumoha, a reward for progress that has gathered speed since his move from Chelsea in 2024. For a teenager breaking through at Anfield, this is the stage where reputation starts to meet responsibility. Ngumoha said: “To be fair (the contract) is all with my agent now. I think it is all going well. I am not too sure. “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.” Andoni Iraola pushing tactical development Iraola wants his wide players comfortable on either flank, and Ngumoha is embracing that challenge. He said: “(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. Photo: IMAGO “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. “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.” That mentality will matter. So will the fitness of others, with Dominik Szoboszlai and Jeremie Frimpong set for scans after picking up injuries against Brentford. Yet for Liverpool, one of the brighter notes from the weekend was unmistakable. Rio Ngumoha is advancing, and fast.