Liverpool's Rio Ngoumohla has insisted he will not allow himself to “get carried away by the hype” after the thrill of scoring a late winner against Newcastle aged 16 years and 361 days.
The footballer became one of the four youngest goalscorers in Premier League history after his cool strike 10 minutes into second-half stoppage time gave the Reds a 3-2 win at St James' Park on Monday night.
He also became the youngest player to be recognised in Liverpool's annals for scoring a goal.
“I’m happy to have scored, it’s an incredible feeling,” Ngumoha told TalkSPORT. “When I heard the crowd chanting my name, it was an incredible feeling.”
“But you can’t get emotional because of all the attention – after all, I’ve practiced this finishing move a hundred times in training.”
“Everything is clear with the fans here. However, the level of their support on the road is simply beyond imagination.”
Ngumoha was born in Newham, East London on August 29, 2008 – he turns 17 this Friday.
At the age of eight, he became a product of the Chelsea academy, and in the summer of 2024, he continued his career in the Liverpool system.
Ngumoha noted: “Even though I’m 16, I don’t want age to be seen as a limitation when playing against older players.”
“My goal is to show that I can compete not only with my peers, but also with experienced players.”
“The club constantly supports me, helping me develop my skills and grow professionally.”
“Last season, for example, the academy and first team coaches kept reminding us: ‘Choose a position at the back, take a position at the back.’”
“It was incredible that I found myself at the far post… When I saw Mo (Salah) and Dom (Szoboszlai) carry the ball through the defenders, I thought: 'One on one' and I shot without hesitation.”
Ngoumohi's winning goal was the answer to Liverpool squandering a two-goal lead against Newcastle, who were left with ten men after Anthony Gordon was sent off late in the first half.
He added: “Mental toughness is key.”
“It’s important to maintain your spirit, fight to the end and believe in yourself – that’s what distinguishes champions.”
Sourse: breakingnews.ie
