Rio Ngumoha reveals how Mohamed Salah helped shape his Liverpool career

Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha has credited Mohamed Salah for playing a significant role in his development, revealing how the departing Egyptian forward helped him grow both on and off the pitch during their time together at Anfield.

The 18-year-old believes the lessons he picked up from Salah could prove invaluable as he continues his progression into Liverpool’s senior team, having benefited from the experience of one of the club’s most influential players.

Ngumoha enjoyed a breakthrough campaign last season, making the most of his opportunities in the first team and displaying the technical ability, pace and confidence to suggest he could become an important figure in Liverpool’s future.

His involvement has increased this season, with the teenager demonstrating his versatility by operating on both wings. His growing responsibilities have come at a time when Liverpool are adjusting to life without Salah, who left Anfield in the summer after nine years at the club.

The teenager’s ability to take on defenders and create opportunities has strengthened his prospects of becoming a regular in the senior side, with his development attracting attention as Liverpool consider their long-term options in attack.

Speaking to Liverpool’s official website, Ngumoha revealed that observing Salah’s performances, learning from his training habits and interacting with him away from football provided valuable lessons.

“Mo taught me a lot. I think at the start, just watching him score all of his goals, all the records that he’s broken, you learn a lot.

“Then you train, then you learn a lot. And when you speak to them – because I think also people forget that footballers are just normal people, they’re human beings, so you can come and speak to them about anything – I think once you understand and recognize that, Mo is just really helpful.

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

Ngumoha embraces new challenge on Liverpool’s right wing

Beyond the influence of Salah, Ngumoha has also spoken about adapting to a different attacking role as Liverpool continue to explore his versatility.

Although the youngster initially established himself as a promising option on the left flank, he has increasingly featured on the opposite side this season.

The switch has presented a fresh challenge for the England youth international, who admitted that adjusting to unfamiliar movements and responsibilities on the right was initially difficult.

However, support from Liverpool manager Arne Slot, the coaching staff and his teammates has helped him become more comfortable in the position.

His experiences with England’s youth teams have also contributed to his development, allowing him to learn from other wingers and broaden his understanding of the role.

“I think it’s difficult,” Ngumoha admitted about how tough it can be to switch sides. “Like you said, I’m more used to playing on the left and this season I’m playing more on the right.

“I think the first couple of games I’ve been struggling. But the gaffer and all the coaching staff and all the players, they helped me a lot. Then when I went away with England as well, that really helped – I learnt a lot from all the wingers.”

Ngumoha’s willingness to adapt could prove important as he competes for a regular place in Liverpool’s attacking setup.

With Salah’s departure creating an opportunity for younger players to assume greater responsibility, the teenager has a chance to establish himself as a key figure in the club’s next generation.

Having benefited from the guidance of the Egyptian during their time together, Ngumoha will now be expected to build on those lessons as he seeks to fulfil his considerable potential at Anfield.