Rio Ngumoha was the Liverpool hero in a thrilling 3-2 win at Newcastle on Monday night, with Arsenal legend Thierry Henry impressed by the 16-year-old.
The teenager became the youngest goal-scorer in Liverpool’s history when he scored the winner 10 minutes into injury time at St James’ Park on his Premier League debut.
It was an amazing finish to a remarkable game which saw the Reds score the first two goals of the match and look very comfortable after Anthony Gordon was shown a red card for the home side.
However, the Magpies fought very hard and goals from Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula levelled things up late on.
Newcastle were very impressive with 10 men, but they suffered heartbreak at the death thanks to Ngumoha finishing off a brilliant move from the visitors.
Your ultimate guide to the football season
Metro’s weekly football newsletter: In The Mixer. Exclusive analysis, FPL tips and transfer talk sent straight to your inbox every Friday – sign up, it’s an open goal.
The youngster only came on after 96 minutes, but he quickly impressed Arsenal icon Henry.
‘What I like about him, Rio, is as soon as he came on and he had the ball he went straight to players 1-vs-1, there was a 1-vs-3 and he didn’t care,’ Hendry said on Sky Sports. ‘He took the ball with desire and will and he got his reward at the end being high and wide.’
The Frenchman did suggest that he is still a bit young to be playing regularly, but is looking forward to seeing him again.
‘He announced himself,’ he said. Playing, it’s a bit early. But being able to finish like he finished, he looked like a player who has been playing for a very long time.
‘As soon as he came on the field he had that desire, that will to change the game.’
Liverpool hero Jamie Carragher does want to see Ngumoha on the pitch again as soon as possible, especially after the summer departure of Luis Diaz to Bayern Munich.
‘There’s been something about this lad in pre-season where Liverpool supporters have been getting really excited,’ said Carragher.
‘He’s shown himself in a big moment, high pressured moment, composure at such a delicate stage of the game. He’s got to be involved.’
Reds boss Arne Slot was not surprised to see the young forward find the back of the net, hailing his finishing abilities.
‘He can finish really well for his age, how firm his shot was, you don’t see this too often for a 16-year-old,’ said the Dutchman.
‘He’s so confident, that’s what I like, the first ball he got he immediately took someone on. For him to score that goal is not completely coincidence because for his age he’s an amazing finisher.’
The teenager joined Liverpool from Chelsea last year and made his debut for the club in the FA Cup last season, but this was his first Premier League outing. He turns 17 on Friday.