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Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has advised wonderkid Rio Ngumoha to abandon social media and remain grounded in order to flourish at Anfield, following his breakthrough into the first team this season.
Ngumoha stands as one of the most thrilling talents to emerge through the club's academy in recent years after being welcomed into the senior squad by manager Arne Slot during pre-season. The Dutchman chose to retain Ngumoha with the team throughout the campaign rather than sending him out on loan.
That judgement proved fruitful as he netted a stunning winner for the Reds against Newcastle in the second gameweek of the season, clinching a 3-2 triumph at St James' Park.
Ngumoha will still require time and patience to refine his craft whilst absorbing knowledge from the gifted and seasoned players surrounding him - such as Salah.
The Egyptian has confessed he is astounded by his talent and offered him guidance on how to excel in the sport. It comes after he made an honest admission over his relationship with Hugo Ekitike.
"He's still so young,' Salah told the Men in Blazers podcast. "I told him after the game: 'Just leave the social media alone'. OK, you can be happy about the goal with your family, with your friends.
"Enjoy the moment to the max because it's like your first moments in football.
"But don't really get engaged and just get your appreciation from the outside world because it's always going to be fake. You're going to always try to seek that – that feeling from outside if you just get the appreciation from outside.
"So what future is waiting for him? It depends how he's going to handle the situation. How are we going to work? I need to work hard and just stay humble because he's very young. I told him that some players peak too early and they're going to struggle after that.
"I really wish him the best. He has a good group (here around him) and we always try to speak with him – and the manager (Arne Slot) also speaks to him, so he just need to stay humble and work and see how things go."
Ngumoha made a brief appearance against Newcastle but left an indelible mark with a fantastic first-time finish, earning praise from Slot post-match.
Speaking to journalists following the victory, Slot commented: "It was a great goal for a 16-year-old. Rio can finish so well for his age.
"I did hear someone say afterwards in the dressing room that he would have taken a first touch, but he is so confident! For his age, he is a really good finisher."
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