Our Lamine Yamal’ – Liverpool fans react to Rio Ngumoha masterclass vs Yokohama

Rio Ngumoha is the name that many Liverpool fans are now excited about. The 16-year-old winger has become one of the most talked-about young players after his brilliant performance in a pre-season game against Yokohama F. Marinos. Even though he is still very young, many fans believe he could have a huge future at Liverpool. Some even called him “our Lamine Yamal,” comparing him to Barcelona’s teenage star who has already made waves on the world stage.

Ngumoha joined Liverpool from Chelsea last summer. His transfer didn’t make major headlines, but it was a very smart move by Liverpool. The club saw potential in him, and he saw a better path to the first team. At Chelsea, it might have been harder to break through, but Liverpool gave him a real chance to grow. Since arriving at the club, Ngumoha has played for the Under-18, Under-19, and Under-21 sides. He impressed many coaches and teammates with his skills, maturity, and football intelligence.

His big moment came in January 2025 when he started a match against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup. That game made history because Ngumoha became the youngest player ever to start a first-team game for Liverpool. Although he didn’t score or assist in that match, people could see that he had talent. He looked calm and confident on the pitch. After that match, he didn’t play for the first team again because Liverpool were focused on winning the Premier League under their new manager, Arne Slot.

Arne Slot had just joined Liverpool and had big plans for the team. He made changes, brought in new players, and created a team that went on to win the Premier League in his first season. During the summer of 2025, Slot and Liverpool made big moves in the transfer market. They signed Florian Wirtz for a British record fee. They also signed Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong as their new first-choice full-backs. Hugo Ekitike also joined the squad. At the same time, Luis Díaz left the club to join Bayern Munich. That move created a gap in the left-wing position.

Many expected Liverpool to sign a new left-winger to replace Díaz. Some players like Anthony Gordon and Malick Fofana were linked with the club. But in the middle of all these plans, Rio Ngumoha got his chance. He was included in the first-team squad for the club’s pre-season tour of Asia. In a friendly against AC Milan, he came off the bench and got an assist. That was already impressive for a 16-year-old. But what happened in the game against Yokohama F. Marinos was even more special.

In that match, Ngumoha came off the bench in the second half. Liverpool were already ahead, but Ngumoha added magic to the game. He was quick, clever, and dangerous every time he touched the ball. Then, in the 87th minute, he scored a brilliant solo goal. He picked up the ball, ran past defenders with ease, and calmly put the ball into the net. It was a beautiful moment. Fans in the stadium and those watching at home were thrilled. Social media exploded with reactions.

Liverpool fans couldn’t stop talking about him. Many called him “our Lamine Yamal,” showing how highly they rated his performance. Others said Liverpool no longer needed to buy a left-winger because Ngumoha was ready. Some said he looked better than players like Cody Gakpo and should be in the starting lineup. There were comments calling him a genius, a special talent, and someone who could have a huge role this season. It was clear that the fans saw something big in the young player.

Ngumoha’s stats so far are not flashy, but they show a young player growing steadily. He has played once for the first team, made nine appearances for the Under-21s with two goals, and also played for the Under-18s and Under-19s. He has shown progress at every level. Now, after his performance in pre-season, there is real talk about whether he should be included in the first-team squad for the season ahead.

Some fans say Liverpool should avoid spending money on a new left-winger. They believe in Ngumoha and think he can grow into that role. Liverpool are also trying to sign Alexander Isak from Newcastle. If that move happens, it might mean less money to spend on other positions. Hugo Ekitike, the new signing, can also play on the left. This means Ngumoha could become his backup or even challenge him for the position. There is a clear path for Ngumoha to become a regular player if he continues to impress.

Even though some people are excited, others are still cautious. Yokohama is not a top European team, so it’s hard to judge how well Ngumoha would do in the Premier League. Also, he is still very young, and playing regularly at a high level can be tough. Liverpool need to be careful with how fast they push him. But with the right guidance, he could become something very special.

Lamine Yamal showed that young players can shine even at the biggest clubs. He played for Barcelona and Spain at a very young age and did very well. His success has opened doors for other young talents. Liverpool fans see that and hope the same can happen for Ngumoha. They want the club to trust him and give him chances. They believe he can rise just like Yamal did.

Ngumoha’s journey is just beginning. He has already shown flashes of brilliance. His goal against Yokohama was a big moment. It gave fans hope and made them believe that the club has found another gem. Liverpool have a history of producing top players from their academy. Names like Steven Gerrard, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Curtis Jones all started young and became key players. Ngumoha could be the next in line.

The best thing Liverpool can do now is to give him the right support. Let him train with the first team. Let him get minutes in less important games. Let him grow naturally. If they do that, he could become a top player in a few years. There’s no need to rush, but there’s also no need to hide him. He’s already shown he belongs.

Rio Ngumoha might be only 16, but he plays with the confidence of someone much older. His touch, his speed, his decision-making, and his hunger make him stand out. The fans love him already. They’ve seen something real. Something special. Something exciting. It only took one goal and a few magical touches for everyone to start dreaming.

Now, it’s up to Arne Slot and the Liverpool staff to make the right decisions. Will they trust the teenager and give him a real role this season? Or will they send him back to the youth team and wait longer? Whatever they decide, the fans will be watching closely. They want to see more of Rio Ngumoha. They believe he can be great.

In football, big careers often start with small moments. A debut. A goal. A pre-season friendly in Japan. For Rio Ngumoha, that moment has come. And from now on, every time he steps onto the pitch, all eyes will be on him. He is no longer just a youth player. He is a name that fans know. A name that people are talking about.

If he keeps working hard, stays focused, and keeps getting chances, there’s no limit to what he can achieve. He has the talent. He has the drive. And now, he has the love and support of the fans. Rio Ngumoha has arrived. And Liverpool fans are ready for the journey.