2 hours ago
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Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike has praised Rio Ngumoha following the 17-year-old signing his maiden professional contract. The former Chelsea academy talent instantly made his mark after his high-profile switch with his dramatic late winner against Newcastle United.
Teenage star Ngumoha struck the crucial goal at St James' Park for Arne Slot's team as a 16-year-old, just days ahead of his birthday, ensuring the Premier League leaders maintained their momentum in the campaign's early stages.
His strike contributed to the Reds' trademark late heroics as they pursue their perfect record - which they'll aim to preserve on Saturday during their trip to Crystal Palace.
Ngumoha looks set to retain his squad position after an impressive beginning to his senior Liverpool journey, though Ekitike won't get the chance to add to his three Premier League strikes this weekend following his dismissal against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
The summer acquisition was compelled to offer an apology to fans despite his match-winning contribution, yet he joined teammates in backing Ngumoha after the youngster secured his first professional deal.
The gifted teenager posted images on his Instagram story whilst working alongside the club's official account to announce his contract extension.
Ekitike responded: "Star boy," whilst academy graduate Jayden Danns also expressed his thoughts on the announcement. Following his milestone strike, the forward emphasised his determination to capitalise on the chance given to him by the Dutch manager.
"Normally, last season especially, the academy coaches and even the first-team coaches are always saying, 'Make the back post, make the back post'," Ngumoha said.
"The fact that I made the back post is just crazy... when I saw it with Mo [Salah] and then Dom [Szoboszlai] putting it through his legs, I was like one-v-one and I just smashed it. The fans, I heard them screaming my name and that's a sensational moment I would say.
"But you can't get too carried away with all the noise, like I said, because at the end of the day I probably do that finish 100 times on the training ground so it's no different with the fans [here]. But obviously the fans backing you there, it's just crazy.
"I'm 16 but I don't want my age to show that I can't play with the older players. I want to prove a point that I can play with not just people my age but many ages above.
"But like I said, there are people at the club who are always helping me and I'm always learning and improving, so I can't complain."
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