Andy Robertson makes Rio Ngumoha prediction after giving advice to 'special' Liverpool talent

Liverpool left-back Andy Robertson was a stand-out performer in the FA Cup, with Rio Ngumoha offering some pace and trickery in front of him against Wolves at Molineux

Rio Ngumoha and Andy Robertson linked up well for Liverpool against Wolves.(Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)

Andy Robertson, playing left-back for Liverpool against Wolves, arguably had the best view of all in the FA Cup: he was perfectly placed to watch Rio Ngumoha's dazzling feet on the wing in front of him.

The Scotland captain played a decisive part in helping Liverpool book its place in the next round, opening the scoring with an excellent finish from outside the box, and then teeing up Mohamed Salah with a perfect cross.

At the final whistle, though, Robertson was beaming when he was asked about Ngumoha. Having helped him through the game, Liverpool's number 26 helped to provide a platform for the teenager to play his best game.

"He's a great kid," Robertson told reporters at Molineux. "He wants to listen and to learn. Him and Trey [Nyoni] have been with us every single day and they are both special players.

"They are also special people in terms of wanting to learn and improve. Credit to their families, you can tell they have been brought up the right way.

"It takes a certain mindset and Kieran Morrison was excellent when he came on — we have different lads who have a good mindset, want to be better, and want to improve and do well for this football club. That is all the manager and everyone else can ask."

Rio Ngumoha is challenged by Joao Gomes during the FA Cup tie between Liverpool and Wolves.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Ngumoha was a stand-out performer for Liverpool at Wolves. The word Arne Slot used to describe him post-match was "special".

"I said to Rio before the game that I wanted him to focus on his decision-making because at times, he can try and take on the whole team," Robertson said.

"He is only young and that is the exciting part but his decision-making tonight was unbelievable. He knew when to go one-vs-one and he knew when to take on his man, go down the line, or cut inside or involve other players.

"It was a real all-round performance from him. Credit to him. That was another 70 minutes in his legs and he is only going to get better.

"If he keeps playing like that then the future is bright, but the here and now is bright as well, and that is all you can ask for from these young lads. He is a credit to himself and hopefully long may that continue."

At 17, the future looks very bright for Ngumoha. But can Robertson remember what he was like at the same age?

"I wasn't as good as him, that's for sure!" he laughed. "Obviously my route was a little bit different. His route has been through the youth systems and then at an early age, coming into the first team.

"I wasn't in any first team until I was 18 or 19. Everyone has a different route but he is a special player and a special kid. If he keeps making the decisions and things like that like he did tonight, he will have a special career."