The 16-year-old wonderkid became the youngest scorer in Liverpool history as he netted a 100th-minute winner to help the Reds to a 3-2 win on Monday (25.08.25) against Newcastle United at St James Park.

Liverpool had led by two goals before 10-man Newcastle fired back, with Bruno Guimaraes and William Osula getting them level by the 88th minute.

However, in the 10th minute of added time, substitute Ngumoha scored on his debut to get the Reds all three points.

Captain van Dijk said: "I'm very pleased for Rio, I've said it to him already it all starts now, he has to keep working hard and stay humble but definitely have to enjoy this because these nights, you can't take them for granted if you're in his position.

"I'm sure with the players we have he will be back in training and having a hard session tomorrow again."

Meanwhile, manager Arne Slot was delighted with the players' impact, and he hailed the youngster's confidence.

He added: "It was a great goal for a 16-year-old. Rio can finish so well for his age.

"I did hear someone say afterwards in the dressing room he would have taken a first touch but he is so confident. For his age he is a really good finisher."

Ngumoha doesn't turn 17 until Friday (29.08.25), at which point he will sign his first professional contract.

Meanwhile, Slot insisted the game with Newcatle wasn't much of a "football match".

He said: "It was set-piece after set-piece, long-throw after long-throw. We didn't collapse and stood strong. We didn't play well enough on the ball.

"I don't think there was so much open play. But we showed incredible character and kept fighting until the end.”