Rio Ngumoha, Liverpool's rising star inspired by Anthony Gordon

English football is witnessing the emergence of Rio Ngumoha, an 18-year-old Liverpool forward who has already made his debut for the senior England national team. In his latest interview, the young winger admitted that Barcelona star Anthony Gordon is one of the players he looks up to as he continues to develop. The two shared a camp with the national side, and that experience left a lasting impression on the player who came through Chelsea's academy.

• Rio Ngumoha named Anthony Gordon and Bukayo Saka as his main references on the wing.
• The Liverpool youngster played a key role in the comeback against Brentford and is trusted by Andoni Iraola.
• He joined Anfield from Chelsea in 2024 at the age of 16 and is in talks over a new contract.
• His ability to perform on both flanks makes him a more unpredictable threat for defenders.

Anthony Gordon, Rio Ngumoha's role model at Barcelona

Ngumoha was full of praise for the Barcelona winger when recalling his time with the England squad. For the Liverpool academy product, sharing a dressing room with players of that calibre accelerated his learning, and he now tries to apply those lessons in his everyday work on Merseyside.

Playing on the right wing for England was good for me, but also seeing players like Anthony Gordon, Bukayo Saka... they are top-level wingers. Training with them every day and seeing what they do helps me a lot, and I put some of the things they tell me into practice.

Ngumoha's breakthrough under Andoni Iraola at Liverpool

The winger has become a regular presence for Andoni Iraola, who has backed him consistently since taking charge at Liverpool. His most recent display, in the comeback against Brentford, reinforced the belief that the young Englishman is ready to compete at the highest level. The manager's confidence translates into minutes and an increasingly important role within the team's setup.

From Chelsea's academy to Anfield: a calculated leap

Ngumoha left Chelsea's youth setup in 2024 to sign for Liverpool at just 16 years old. That decision, a bold one for a teenager, is starting to pay off. At Anfield he found a clear path to the first team and a sporting project that values young talent. His progress has been so rapid that the club is already preparing an improved contract to match his new status.

Playing on both wings: the key to his unpredictable style

One of Ngumoha's most eye-catching qualities is his ability to operate on either side of the attack. That versatility gives him an extra layer of unpredictability, something he sees as a competitive advantage against opposing defenders.

Playing on both wings gives me a bit of unpredictability, so if teams watch me play, they might think I am on the left, but I can offer something different on the right.

New contract on the horizon for Liverpool's rising star

The player confirmed that talks to extend his stay at Liverpool are moving in the right direction. Although he prefers to let his football do the talking, the new deal would reflect his definitive step into life as an established professional in Iraola's squad. Ngumoha remained cautious but optimistic: he is enjoying the present and letting his performances set the pace for the club.