'Prove It to the Boss'—Rio Ngumoha Issues Bold Liverpool Pledge as Barcola Chase Heats Up

Liverpool winger Rio Ngumoha has expressed that he "just wants to play" and prove his value to manager Andoni Iraola in what supporters hope will be a true breakthrough campaign for the teenage sensation.

Ngumoha made 31 senior appearances during 2025–26, with the overwhelming majority coming as a substitute. Now on the verge of turning 18 next month, excitement about what the rising star can accomplish continues to build among the fanbase.

Cody Gakpo's future at Liverpool has grown increasingly uncertain, yet the Reds have already invested in Víctor Muñoz for Ngumoha's position this summer. A reported willingness to splash out on Bradley Barcola could add even further competition on the left flank.

Barcola is capable of operating on the right, which is where Liverpool have had a significant void since Mohamed Salah's exit. However, the Frenchman has spent the bulk of his career as a left winger — the position where he produced his finest performances at Paris Saint-Germain.

Ngumoha has featured prominently in preseason so far, logging 45 minutes in each of the victories over Sunderland and Wrexham amid heavy squad rotation. In the latter fixture on Wednesday evening, he netted the match's only goal at Yankee Stadium.

Ngumoha Determined to Impress Iraola

"It has been great," the youngster told Liverpoolfc.com of his experience. "All the lads are treating me like a proper professional. Obviously, I'm still young and still learning, but all the players have been brilliant. It has been really good.

"Definitely, [it's a crucial preseason]. Carrying on from where last season ended, I just want to play and feature in as many games as possible. These matches are a great platform to show the manager what I can do, because it's a fresh start for everybody. It's really important and I'm enjoying it."

The fact that Ngumoha is eager to "show" Iraola his capabilities highlights that he understands both the opportunity in front of him and the need to seize it.

Liverpool are still leaning on a largely youthful squad at this early point in preseason. Gakpo has only recently returned to training after his World Cup campaign with the Netherlands, while Muñoz, having been part of Spain's squad, is not expected back until mid-August.

Liverpool have three more preseason fixtures remaining for Ngumoha to make his mark, starting with the final stop of the U.S. tour in Chicago against Leeds United on Aug. 2. The subsequent games against Monaco and Como will take place back at Anfield, where the battle for starting spots will intensify.

Liverpool's Remaining Preseason Schedule