Jeremie Frimpong has wasted no time settling in at Liverpool and already he’s making headlines off the pitch.
The summer signing from Bayer Leverkusen has given 16-year-old Rio Ngumoha a nickname that might just stick: “Mr. 1 vs 1.”
The moniker comes after Ngumoha’s fearless, dribble-heavy performances in Liverpool’s undefeated pre-season.
Twice this summer, the teenager has scored sensational solo goals, taking on defenders one by one before coolly finding the net.
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Ngumoha steals the pre-season spotlight
While Liverpool’s summer window has seen big names arrive, the former Chelsea academy product has been the surprise star.
Ngumoha’s pre-season tally includes goals against Yokohama F. Marinos and Athletic Bilbao, plus assists against both Bilbao and AC Milan.
In the 4-1 win over Bilbao at Anfield, he completed both of his attempted dribbles, found teammates with 15 of 17 passes and capped it off with a composed finish.
Just days earlier in Japan, his quick feet and direct play lit up the friendly against Yokohama.
Slot’s squad has an open spot on the left wing after the sale of Luis Diaz, a player with a similar dribbling profile.
Ngumoha’s form could push him into early contention for minutes.
Head coach Arne Slot has been quick to acknowledge Ngumoha’s talent while tempering expectations.
“We’ve only played two games over here, and we haven’t played against Premier League opponents yet,” Slot told The Athletic.
“But I see him train, I see him play, and the impact he has when he trains and plays is really promising.”
The Dutchman added a note of caution:
“Playing in the Premier League, playing every three days with Champions League games in between – that’s something else.
“If he keeps bringing these performances, tonight (against Yokohama F Marinos) definitely won’t be the last time he plays a few minutes for Liverpool. It’s all about consistency. He needs to show it every single day.”
With youth, talent and now a catchy nickname in his corner, Ngumoha’s journey from academy prospect to first-team contender could accelerate faster than expected.
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