Liverpool stiker Hugo Ekitike has lauded Rio Ngumoha after the 17-year-old signed his first professional contract. The former Chelsea academy prospect immediately caught the eye after his high-profile move with his late winner against Newcastle United.
Ngumoha hit the decisive goal at St James’ Park for Arne Slot’s side as a 16-year-old, days before his birthday, to ensure that the Premier League champions didn’t slip up in the opening weeks of the season. His effort has formed part of the late show from the Reds on course to their 100 percent record – which they will be looking to extend on Saturday when they travel to Crystal Palace (3pm kick-off).
The 17-year-old is set to maintain his place in the squad following a bright start to his senior career at Liverpool but Ekitike will not have the opportunity to add to his three Premier League goals for the club this weekend after being sent off against Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
The summer signing apologised was forced to apologise to supporters despite his winner but he was among the squad to show support to Nguhomha after he penned his first professional contract.
The talented teenager shared pictures across his Instagram story but collaborated with the club’s official account to share the news of his extension.
Ekitike commented: “Star boy,” while academy graduate Jayden Danns also shared his feelings on the post.
After his landmark goal, the attacker highlighted his intent to take advantage of the opportunity handed to him by the Dutch head coach.
“Normally, last season especially, the academy coaches and even the first-team coaches are always saying, ‘Make the back post, make the back post’,” Ngumoha said.
“The fact that I made the back post is just crazy… when I saw it with Mo [Salah] and then Dom [Szoboszlai] putting it through his legs, I was like one-v-one and I just smashed it.
“The fans, I heard them screaming my name and that’s a sensational moment I would say.
“But you can’t get too carried away with all the noise, like I said, because at the end of the day I probably do that finish 100 times on the training ground so it’s no different with the fans [here]. But obviously the fans backing you there, it’s just crazy.
“I’m 16 but I don’t want my age to show that I can’t play with the older players. I want to prove a point that I can play with not just people my age but many ages above.
“But like I said, there are people at the club who are always helping me and I’m always learning and improving, so I can’t complain.”
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