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Liverpool midfielder Harvey Elliott has spoken highly of Rio Ngumoha following the Reds’ recent pre-season friendly against AC Milan.
Ngumoha, who has been turning heads within Liverpool’s youth setup and England’s youth teams, caught the eye with his confident display against the experienced Italian side. The 16-year-old has quickly won over supporters with his speed, agility, and fearless approach to challenging defenders.
His displays have sparked optimism that he could become a key player on Liverpool’s wings, bringing energy and unpredictability to their attack. In the first half alone, Ngumoha led the way by completing three dribbles and winning four duels, showcasing his growing influence on the pitch.
Speaking to LFCTV after defeat to AC Milan, Elliott heaped praise on the youngster.
He said: "He's fearless. He showed that today against AC Milan, one of Europe's big teams. He was like a kid in the park, although he is a kid!
"He just needs to keep going, and we'll try as much as we can to try and help him out. I think if he keeps on performing as he is and working hard as he is, then the kid has got an amazing future.
"I'm really excited to see where things go, and hopefully he can be really successful.
"There are not many 16 or 17-year-olds [in the team], and he is in because he is incredible at his age and he is able to handle it. We can all see his quality, and he just needs to keep working hard and keep going.
"In the upcoming years, hopefully, he can show the world, and especially everyone at Liverpool, why he is so highly rated."
The teenager, who made history as Liverpool’s youngest-ever starter in January’s FA Cup third-round tie against Accrington Stanley, has had an impressive start to preseason.
Ngumoha featured in both the matches against Preston North End and Stoke City, scoring in the latter.
Despite being part of a star-studded squad, the 16-year-old understands that patience is key when it comes to first-team opportunities.
For now, the winger is concentrating on his development and remains hopeful that his chances will come in due course.
He said: "I feel like the experience is just indescribable, really. It’s like every kid’s dream really. Training with the best team in the world; the players that you get to train with, you learn from them, and you really test yourself against them. It has been very good."
"Patience is key," he added. "I don’t want to rush anything. I’m young."
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