Reportedly, Salah communicated certain insights to Ngumoha following Liverpool’s dramatic, record-setting triumph, a narrative initially featured on The Sporting News.
Liverpool supporters were part of a memorable moment at St James’ Park when Rio Ngumoha, who was 16 at the time (turning 17 on August 29), scored a decisive goal in extra time against Newcastle.
The young player did more than just help his team win; he also became Liverpool’s youngest-ever scorer and the fourth-youngest scorer in Premier League history.
The goal was widely reported, but what followed was also significant. Mohamed Salah, Liverpool’s prominent player and a source of inspiration, quickly shared some insightful comments with the young player.
Amid the celebratory atmosphere in the locker room, the Egyptian player made sure Ngumoha remained grounded.
Mo Salah’s advice to Rio Ngumoha
Rio Ngumoha of Liverpool
During an appearance on the Men in Blazers podcast, Salah shared his message to Ngumoha: “He’s still very young. After the game, I advised him to ‘stay away from social media.’ Enjoy the goal with family and friends, and savor those early moments in football. However, avoid getting too involved and seeking validation from external sources, as it’s often unreliable.”
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Salah also reminded him about the risks of reaching peak performance too soon, adding, “Some players reach their peak too early, which can lead to future difficulties. I sincerely wish him the best. He has a supportive group around him, and we consistently try to talk with him. The manager also speaks with him, so he needs to remain humble, work hard, and observe how things progress.”
Manager Arne Slot shared this sentiment, praising the forward’s level-headedness: “Scoring that goal was fantastic for a 16-year-old. Rio has impressive finishing skills for someone his age… he exudes confidence!”
Ngumoha will face strong competition for playing time this season with the addition of Hugo Ekitike and Alexander Isak. However, with his talent, patience, and the guidance of experienced players like Salah, his future appears promising.
