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Rio Ngumoha surpasses Steven Gerrard and Michael Owen with Champions League display

Rio Ngumoha has written his name in the Liverpool record books after a spellbinding performance against Villarreal in the Champions League for the Reds

Rio Ngumoha
Rio Ngumoha made a statement against Villarreal

Rio Ngumoha's breathtaking display for Liverpool against Villarreal saw him etch his name into the Reds' history books.

The teenage winger contributed two assists in the thrilling 4-3 triumph, with Anfield ringing out his name as Liverpool mounted a stunning comeback on Tuesday evening.

With his first assist, Ngumoha displaced Michael Owen to claim the title of the youngest-ever Liverpool player to score or assist in the Champions League.

At just 18 years and 52 days old, Ngumoha surpassed Owen's record of 18 years and 324 days, cementing his place among a distinguished line of gifted youngsters to have graced Merseyside, including Owen and Steven Gerrard.

By registering a brace of assists on the night, Ngumoha also became the third-youngest player to provide multiple assists in a single Champions League fixture. Only Warren Zaire-Emery and Theo Walcott have accomplished the feat at a younger age.

The former Chelsea academy starlet's feat also made him the youngest Liverpool player to contribute two assists in a single match since Owen achieved it at 18 years and 44 days against Middlesbrough in the League Cup.

"It's up there with one of the best I've played," Ngumoha reflected after the final whistle. "I enjoyed myself and the team helped me a lot.

"Whenever I get the ball and there's an opportunity to go one v one or two v one, I believe in myself. I'll just keep going and be ruthless.

"We have the best fans in the world and to hear my name chanted is a dream," he added.

Liverpool's Alexis Mac Allister (right) celebrates celebrates scoring their side's third goal of the game with teammate Rio Ngumoha (centre) during the UEFA Champions League match at Anfield, Liverpool.

Picture date: Tuesday October 20, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Nick Potts/the Press Association.

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Rio Ngumoha (centre) is mobbed after setting up Alexis Mac Allister's second goal

Reds manager Andoni Iraola expressed satisfaction with the teenager's display and his development throughout the campaign thus far. "I am really happy with Rio," he said.

"He is trying to improve everything that we try to correct. He is playing a lot more on the right and he has adapted really well. He's going more inside.

"He struggled defensively in the first half. The second half was much better. He's becoming a more complete player. He's still only 18."

Former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez was equally impressed and believes deploying Ngumoha on the right flank will serve the club well, even if the winger's goal tally decreases as a result.

He said: "You talk about his position on the left side and the right side. I think on the right side he can pass players wide, and if you go wide you cannot cover, so he can make crosses, he can make passes. Maybe he'll score less goals but I think he can make a difference."

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