English-Nigerian Rio Ngumoha headlines Ferdinand’s Premier League best four youngsters

Liverpool teenager Rio Ngumoha has caught the eye of former Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand, who included the 17-year-old in his list of the Premier League’s most promising young talents.

Ngumoha, who made a brief appearance from the bench during Liverpool’s clash with Nottingham Forest, produced a performance that completely shifted the game in his team’s favour.

Introduced in the 77th minute, Ngumoha immediately injected pace and creativity into Liverpool’s attack, delivering the spark his side needed as Mohamed Salah and Cody Gakpo struggled to influence proceedings.

Within minutes, the youngster was instrumental in turning the contest around, helping Liverpool secure all three points at the City Ground.

His impact was so profound that Ferdinand singled him out as a “top drawer” talent in a post on X, praising his ability to combine speed, skill, and decision-making on the wing.

“If you were going to put your money on four kids right now in the Premier League to do their thing, based on what you’re seeing now, you’ve got Rio at Liverpool, you’ve got Max Dowman, you’ve got JJ Gabriel at Man United, and Jesse Derry at Chelsea,” Ferdinand wrote. “A winger that wants to beat his man and deliver with a mix of speed and finesse.”

Ferdinand also appeared on Rio Ferdinand Presents to urge Liverpool manager Arne Slot to give Ngumoha more opportunities to start matches.

“He looks like a breath of fresh air. He’s standing full-backs up. He’s taking them on and then clipping it to the back post, making the right decisions,” he said. “He’s still gonna make mistakes, but how can he not be starting a few more games?”

In just 20 minutes on the pitch, Ngumoha created as many goal-scoring opportunities as Salah managed in the first 76 minutes, demonstrating a maturity and composure beyond his years.

Those brief cameo minutes may prove pivotal for Liverpool as Slot considers how to integrate the rising star more regularly into the first team.