Gary Lineker hails English-Nigerian Rio Ngumoha as next Mbappe after stunning Spurs debut

Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha drew comparisons to Kylian Mbappé from Gary Lineker following an eye-catching first Premier League start in Sunday’s 1-1 draw with Tottenham at Anfield.

The 17-year-old winger impressed on the left flank, tormenting Spurs right-back Pedro Porro and constantly threatening the visitors’ defence despite not registering a goal or assist.

Ngumoha’s impact was evident from the outset. Liverpool looked sharper and more dangerous with him on the pitch, a fact not lost on pundits.

Former defender Micah Richards noted the game shifted after the youngster was substituted in the 64th minute, with Spurs equalising later through Richarlison.

“I thought the game changed when he went off,” Richards said. “He was pushing Spurs all the way back… On another day, he could have had two goals and a couple of assists.”

Lineker, speaking on The Rest Is Football, said Ngumoha reminded him of Mbappé’s signature stop-start sharpness.

“You recognise special talent when it arrives, and he looks to me the most likely since Wayne Rooney to absolutely be a superstar,” he said. “I’m not saying he’s Mbappé… but he’s got enormous potential. He wasn’t scared to take people on… Porro didn’t know which way he was going to go.”

Sky Sports co-commentator Jamie Carragher also praised Ngumoha, calling him “brilliant” and highlighting his one-on-one threat.