'I spoke to Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha - this is what impressed me most'

The teenage protege opted to stop and talk to journalists - including from Liverpool.com - after the Reds' win over Nottingham Forest on Sunday, and showed maturity beyond his years.

Rio Ngumoha chose to stop and speak to reporters after Liverpool's win over Nottingham Forest

In years to come, Rio Ngumoha stopping in the post-match media mixed zone will likely become a mundanity.

On Sunday, when he accepted reporters’ requests to speak after Liverpool’s 1-0 win at Nottingham Forest, that was certainly not the case. Indeed, it was so unexpected it resulted in a brief scramble, as a member of staff first checked Ngumoha was even allowed to talk to the press. After all, he is still a minor, and while there is no legal reason a 17-year-old can’t conduct an interview, there are ethical considerations.

There was a 30-second delay as the teenage protege and four more grizzled reporters waited for an outcome in the City Ground mixed zone - with Liverpool.com among the outlets present.

Eventually, with a nod and a thumbs-up, confirmation arrived that Ngumoha was indeed fine to speak with journalists. A member of Liverpool’s media team was on hand to listen in, as is standard practice - remember Mohamed Salah at Leeds?

But any fears that naivety and inexperience could creep into Ngumoha’s responses were quickly dispelled. The youngster spoke calmly, confidently, and with the air of someone who had done this plenty of times before. He hadn’t. This was his first-ever interview with the written media.

During his three-and-a-half-minute chat, the former Chelsea starlet provided detailed, engaging answers. He discussed the dramatic injury-time scenes against Forest and his view on the disallowed Alexis Mac Allister goal, before the conversation turned to his maiden campaign as a senior player.

“I think it has gone really well. I am learning a lot every day and playing with and training with some of the best players in the world. I can't ask for much more as a young kid.”

Ngumoha impressed after coming off the bench at Forest(Image: Getty Images)

Ngumoha also revealed some insights into his behind-the-scenes conversations with Arne Slot, detailed his mindset when introduced off the bench, and ultimately acknowledged he is keen to play more.

“Yeah, hopefully soon. I just need to keep pushing and keep gaining the manager's trust and hopefully that leads to more minutes.”

Ngumoha’s playing time is becoming a major debate among Liverpool fans. He has played 15 times this season, but only two have been starts - and they came in the domestic cup competitions. The Liverpool forward is yet to be named in a Premier League line-up, with the Reds understandably wary of overexposing Ngumoha.

There are warning signs to heed. Stefan Bajcetic, Jayden Danns, Kaide Gordon and James McConnell are just a few examples of Liverpool academy graduates whose recent progression has been stalled due to injury.

Scan further back, and the eagerness to harness Michael Owen’s burgeoning teenage talents meant he achieved little beyond his mid-20s. Liverpool certainly won’t make that mistake with Ngumoha.

Slot is wary of over-playing Ngumoha(Image: Getty Images)

That said, there is a growing clamor for him to play with greater regularity, an argument that was only strengthened by his game-changing contribution against Forest, with Ngumoha’s input pivotal in the late surge that earned Liverpool three points.

That Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo continue to struggle only adds further weight to the argument, with Jamie Carragher joining those calling for him to feature more often.

Ngumoha also impressed recently off the bench against Bournemouth, Qarabag and Brighton & Hove Albion, although admittedly the Reds’ no.73 does benefit from facing fatigued defenders late in matches.

There have been calls for Ngumoha to play more regularly(Image: 2025 Allstar)

Regardless, it is becoming increasingly difficult for Slot to overlook a player showing maturity beyond his years. On Sunday, that wasn’t just limited to the pitch.

His decision to talk to the media as Salah, Ibrahima Konate and Joe Gomez politely declined demonstrated a level of sophistication. In fairness, the trio have previously spoken to reporters and, other than Virgil van Dijk, who answers questions after every game, the responsibility is usually shared among the squad.

But Ngumoha didn’t have to stop. That he did speaks volumes. It showed a willingness to take responsibility and the same undaunted approach that he demonstrates in matches.

His mixed-zone cameo was even shorter than that 20-minute on-field performance, but both made a lasting impression.