The night ‘ruthless’ Ngumoha came of age for Liverpool

Rio Ngumoha, aged 18 years and 52 days, inspired Liverpool’s 4-3 Champions League comeback win over Villarreal, earning a standing ovation and the player of the match award. Though he did not score, his two assists helped turn around a match in which Liverpool had trailed by two goals.

Ngumoha set up Ronald Araujo’s equaliser with a deft cross, then beat his marker after the break to create Alexis Mac Allister’s goal for the lead. He completed seven of eight dribbles and had 12 touches in the opposition box; the performance also made him Liverpool’s youngest player to score or assist in the Champions League. He said he would keep backing himself in one-on-one situations, while his coach praised his attitude and noted he still has areas to develop.