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Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha may have been the hero with a late winner against Newcastle, but the 16-year-old wasn't exempt from completing extra running drills.
When Ngumoha entered the game, Liverpool was oddly pinned back by the 10-man Magpies, and even a draw was beginning to feel like a decent outcome.
Yet the youngster shifted the momentum almost instantly. His directness and confidence on the ball pushed Liverpool higher up the pitch, easing the pressure that had been mounting. Then, displaying maturity far beyond his age, he ghosted into space at the back post and guided a composed first-time finish past Nick Pope — sparking wild celebrations among the visiting supporters.
A picture on X, uploaded by journalist Oliver Holt, shows the 16-year-old being put through his paces along with the other Liverpool subs following the dramatic 3-2 win against Eddie Howe's side
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, Liverpool boss Arne Slot said: "I'm not too sure it was a football match today.
"It was set-piece after set-piece, long-throw after long-throw. We didn't collapse and stood strong. We didn't play well enough on the ball. I don't think there was so much open play.
"It was a great goal for a 16-year-old. Rio can finish so well for his age. I did hear some say afterwards in the dressing room he would have taken a first touch, but he is so confident. For his age, he is a really good finisher."
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was also full of praise for Ngumoha, who became the Reds youngest goalscorer during his Premier League debut.
"It's a dream debut for him," Van Dijk told Sky Sports. "I think that whole attack was quite good. Harvey started it, the dummy [from Szoboszlai], it was the perfect attack.
"We stayed calm towards the end and tried to find the right solution. I'm very pleased for Rio. He has to keep working hard and stay humble, but he has to enjoy tonight as he can't take it for granted.
"I'm sure with the players we have, he'll be back at training tomorrow having a hard session."
Liverpool.com says: At just 16, Rio Ngumoha already looks like a player built for the big stage.
Against Newcastle, he didn’t play like a teenager making his mark — he played like someone who belonged.
The fact that Arne Slot demanded extra running from him moments after the winner only underlines how Liverpool sees his future: talent is the foundation, but discipline and hard work will shape him into the complete player.
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