Rio Ngumoha makes early Liverpool pitch after hearing about Mohamed Salah exit

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Rio Ngumoha made no qualms about his dream kit number in a telling interview, which took place just days before his stunning performance against Fulham on Saturday

Mohamed Salah has taken Rio Ngumoha under his wing(Image: Getty Images)

Rio Ngumoha revealed his dream jersey number is No. 11, which is set to be vacant at Liverpool due to the impending exit of Mohamed Salah.

The 33-year-old announced last month that he's set to leave the club at the end of the season, marking an end to his illustrious nine-year career at Anfield. Since arriving at the club in 2017, Salah has always worn the No. 11 and made it his own throughout his consistent heroics in red.

A role model and leader in the Liverpool dressing room, Salah has thrived in that role and acted as a mentor to the likes of Harvey Elliott and now, the teenage Ngumoha. The 17-year-old — who netted his first Anfield goal in the 2-0 win against Fulham on Saturday — currently wears the No. 73 for the reigning Premier League champions.

As is the case with young players, they start with high squad numbers but go on to choose a lower number indicative of their standing in the first team.

There are exceptions to the cause, such as Trent Alexander-Arnold, who only wore No. 66 at Liverpool, as well as Phil Foden, who has sported the No. 47 since making his Manchester City debut.

However, Ngumoha is not likely to be an exception if his admission in his recent Sky Sports interview is anything to go by.

Rio Ngumoha has aspirations to wear the number 11(Image: Getty Images)

When asked what his dream jersey number is, the 17-year-old inadvertently pitched to become the successor to Salah's number.

Ngumoha answered: "Seventy-three holds a special place in my heart, obviously the first number I received.

"It was just random.

"But my dream number would be 11.

"Watching Neymar play for Barcelona and Mo obviously has broken all the records with No.11."

During the interview, the England U19 star was asked about advice he's received from Salah, to which he revealed the two-time Premier League winner urged him to improve his end product.

He added: "Yeah, one time after training he told me the top, top players, along with your ability, they also get goals and assists.

"Obviously he has broken many records, so him saying that to me and saying he knows I’m a good player, but to get to the next level just add the goals and assists."