‘It’s a fresh start for everyone’ – Rio Ngumoha targets regular Liverpool role under Andoni Iraola

Rio Ngumoha believes Liverpool’s managerial change has handed every player a clean slate as the teenage winger looks to force his way into Andoni Iraola’s plans for the 2026/27 season.

The 17-year-old has enjoyed an encouraging start to pre-season in the United States, where he scored the decisive goal in Liverpool’s 1-0 victory over Wrexham in New York. His performances have further strengthened hopes that he could play a much bigger role for the Reds this season.

Having spent much of the 2025/26 campaign making appearances from the bench under former boss Arne Slot, Ngumoha is now eager to turn his flashes of promise into regular starts.

‘It’s a fresh start for everyone’

The England youngster admitted the arrival of Iraola has created fresh competition across the squad and sees the club’s pre-season fixtures as the ideal platform to impress.

“It has been good in preseason. All the lads are treating me like I’m a professional player. Obviously, I’m still young and learning, but all the players have been top. It has been good.”

Ngumoha also made it clear that earning a place in the starting XI is now his main objective.

“From the end of last season, I just want to play and start as many games as I can. These games are a really good showcase to show the manager, because it’s a fresh start for everyone.”

Building on a breakthrough campaign

Ngumoha heads into the new season with growing confidence after an impressive breakthrough year at Anfield.

He made 29 appearances in all competitions during the previous campaign, although most came as a substitute. Despite limited opportunities, the winger still managed to underline his immense potential.

One of his standout moments came in August 2025 when he scored a spectacular winner against Newcastle United to become Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer. He has also taken another significant step in his career after making his senior England debut earlier this summer.