Rio Ngumoha aiming for bigger Liverpool role as he develops under Andoni Iraola

Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha says he is still learning and wants to earn greater trust from manager Andoni Iraola as he seeks more regular first-team football.

The 18-year-old has already made history by becoming Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer, but he regards his strike against Newcastle United in August 2025 as one of the standout moments of his career.

“That goal, it’s still in my mind, to be fair. I remember my mum, she still to this day can’t stop watching it. But I know that memory will always be in my head and I’ll never forget that day,” Ngumoha said.

Although he is naturally more at ease on the left, Ngumoha has been used on the right this season. He admitted the switch was challenging at first, but said support from the coaching staff and his team-mates, along with his experience with England, helped him adapt.

“Now I’m enjoying playing on the right as well because it’s another toolset to be able to play on the left and the right. It’s important in world football to be unpredictable,” he said.

Ngumoha believes versatility can help young players establish themselves at the highest level. He is also conscious that his development is still at an early stage.

“I haven’t mastered anything yet, of course. I’m still learning,” he said.

The winger added that being able to operate on both sides of the pitch gives Iraola greater flexibility when deciding his team selection. He has held regular conversations with the manager and coaching staff about his movement, defensive positioning and contribution without the ball.

Ngumoha wants those improvements to convince Iraola that he can be trusted in a variety of situations.

“Even though I’m young, I want to be starting as many games as I can,” he said. “I just want their trust, ‘Rio can also help us score a goal but also stop a goal as well.’ So, I think that’s important now in football to gain the manager’s trust.”

Improving his defensive work is a particular priority. Ngumoha recognises that his role involves more than creating opportunities and scoring, and says stopping opponents from making dangerous runs will be central to winning the confidence of the staff and his team-mates.

“I think definitely off the ball – whether it’s a full-back making runs in behind and I stop him. I think that’s the one big thing that I can do to gain everyone’s trust,” he explained.

The teenager has also been encouraged by the backing of Liverpool’s senior players, especially captain Virgil van Dijk. Ngumoha said Van Dijk has made a conscious effort to support the club’s younger members, including Trey Nyoni and Lewis Koumas.

“He’s the leader in the team. He very much puts his trust in me, Trey Nyoni, Lewis Koumas, all the young players as well. He sees us like we’re one of them, which is very nice,” Ngumoha said.

Former Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has also influenced Ngumoha’s progress. The youngster said observing Salah’s achievements, learning from him in training and speaking to him about life away from football had all been valuable.

“Mo taught me a lot of things on the pitch but also off the pitch and I’ll always thank him for that,” Ngumoha said.