Rio Ngumoha shares two-word message after Jamie Carragher's comments on Liverpool talent

Rio Ngumoha was handed a late cameo by Arne Slot in Liverpool's 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest and the 17-year-old made a big impact in his 13 minutes on the pitch

Rio Ngumoha impressed when he came off the bench against Nottingham Forest.(Image: Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

Rio Ngumoha has posted a two-word message on social media following Jamie Carragher's effusive Liverpool assessment. The 17-year-old winger was introduced by Arne Slot for the closing 13 minutes against Nottingham Forest at the City Ground with the visitors chasing a winner.

While it was Dominik Szoboszlai, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister who proved crucial to Liverpool netting late on, Ngumoha was outstanding in his brief appearance. Moments before Mac Allister's winner, the Argentine midfielder believed he had secured victory, only for the goal to be disallowed by VAR for handball.

Ngumoha had fashioned the opportunity that resulted in Mac Allister's chalked-off goal following some clever footwork and an excellent delivery. After his impressive cameo, the teenager posted on Instagram with several Liverpool stars responding to his update.

Accompanying some photographs of him in action and the celebrations, Ngumoha simply stated: "Three points."

In the comments section, Harvey Elliott responded, "Well done lil bro! Changed it!" while Mac Allister added a clapping emoji.

Carragher was another to express his views on Ngumoha and he bluntly criticized two other Liverpool players when lauding his contribution.

He remarked on Sky Sports: "Ngumoha did more in 15 minutes than Salah and Gakpo did before that. He changed the game and needs to be starting games. There's no one better in getting last-minute winners in the Premier League — and that is Liverpool."

Rio Ngumoha runs with the ball while under pressure from Neco Williams during the Premier League match between Nottingham Forest and Liverpool at City Ground on February 22, 2026(Image: Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images)

While observing Ngumoha execute several step-overs before whipping in a cross, Carragher remarked: "Here, Rio Ngumoha does something I have not seen a Liverpool wide player do all season: go at his full-back, commit him and put real quality into the box."

Slot appeared equally impressed by his contribution from the substitutes' bench, though he seemed to temper expectations regarding increased playing time.

He commented: "He is already playing a big role for a 17-year-old player. Tell me where in the Premier League there is a player who has gotten this number of minutes.

"This tells you about the quality of the talent he possesses, and how much we appreciate him."

One player unable to make an impact against Forest was Florian Wirtz, who withdrew from the starting line-up during the warm-up, with Curtis Jones taking his place.

When pressed for an injury update, Slot explained: "We don't think it is very serious. He felt his back too much during the warm-up to start. He wasn't able to be 100 per cent or close to 100 per cent.

"I think after being in this league for six, seven or eight months that no matter how good you are on the ball, you need to be 100 per cent at this level. So we decided not to play him but hope and expect him to be with us next week."

Looking ahead, Liverpool welcomes West Ham to Anfield before making the journey to Molineux on two occasions within a four-day period for Premier League and FA Cup fifth round fixtures against Wolves.