Liverpool’s new teenage star Rio Ngumoha scored a dramatic 100th-minute winner against Newcastle on his Premier League debut. But instead of letting the hype get to him, the 16-year-old forward has been urged by captain Virgil van Dijk to “stay humble and keep working hard.”
A Dream Night for Rio Ngumoha
Liverpool fans had plenty to cheer about on Monday night as Rio Ngumoha made a dream debut in the Premier League. Just days away from turning 17, the forward came off the bench in stoppage time and scored a last-gasp winner in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Newcastle United.
Speaking to LFCTV, the teenager admitted he could hardly believe what happened:
“I’m buzzing. I’m so happy to score, especially the winner. What a good moment — a special feeling.”
Van Dijk’s Key Message to Liverpool’s Youngest Scorer
While the fans and teammates celebrated, Virgil van Dijk quickly offered some important advice for the rising star.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Van Dijk said:
“Sixteen years old, incredible. I’m very happy for him, but he must stay humble, keep learning, and work hard every day.”
The Liverpool captain praised Ngumoha’s composure but reminded him that consistency will define his career.
“Nights like this are special, but what matters is what comes next. We’ll help him, but it’s up to him to keep improving.”
How Ngumoha Scored the Winner
Ngumoha revealed that his goal came from following a simple but effective coaching instruction.
“Normally, coaches say, ‘make the back-post run.’ I did that, Dom [Szoboszlai] spotted me, and I just smashed it in. It was crazy.”
The teenager credited his teammates for encouraging him to express himself. “All of them tell me if it’s on, take my man on — but also mix it up. That’s how I found myself in the right spot.”
Staying Grounded Despite the Hype
Even after hearing thousands of Liverpool fans chanting his name, Ngumoha showed maturity beyond his years.
“I heard the fans scream my name and it was sensational. But at the end of the day, I probably do that finish 100 times in training. The fans make it crazy, but I can’t get carried away.”
What’s Next for Liverpool
The victory at St James’ Park keeps Liverpool’s unbeaten start alive. Attention now shifts to Sunday’s clash with Arsenal at Anfield, where fans will hope to see Ngumoha involved again.
