Rio Ngumoha matches Raheem Sterling and nears Michael Owen record in Liverpool vs Chelsea
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Rio Ngumoha is close to etching his name into the Liverpool history books after starting against Chelsea.Arne Slot had many injury problems going into the meeting with the Blues, forcing him to select a makeshift frontline of Ngumoha, Cody Gakpo and Jeremie Frimpong.It worked out quite well for the Reds early on, though, as Rio produced a brilliant assist to put Liverpool 1-0 up after six minutes.Meanwhile, he has now made the joint-second most appearances of any Reds player in history prior to his 18th birthday. Who was Liverpool’s best player in Saturday’s disappointing draw with Chelsea?
Some good amongst the bad Photo by Liverpool FC/Liverpool FC via Getty Images Rio Ngumoha has made 17 Liverpool appearances before turning 18Ngumoha is not 18 until August 29, 2026, meaning he still has plenty of time to actually break the record.After featuring against Chelsea, he has now notched 17 appearances for Liverpool, the same number as Raheem Sterling before he reached 18.The only former Red who managed more by that age is Michael Owen (18), but with meetings against Aston Villa and Brentford still to come, plus the start of 2026/27, the young Englishman could become the new record holder soon.While Ngumoha has technically played a lot of matches for his age, though, fans have been clamouring to see the youngster more. Credit: Carl Recine/Liverpool FC/Getty Images Arne Slot’s use of Rio Ngumoha praised by John BarnesThat is partly due to his obvious talent, but also because the likes of Cody Gakpo have not performed off the left this season.However, while it is one of many things Liverpool fans are using to criticise Slot this season, John Barnes actually thinks the Dutchman has so far handled Ngumoha well.Speaking on the Premier League’s live blog prior to Saturday’s game, Barnes said: “It’s always good to bring in a youngster when you’re doing well – you don’t want to bring a 17-year-old in when you’re struggling and put it all on his shoulders.
“Liverpool have managed him well, they’re missing a lot of attacking players today. He’s got great potential and the fans are very excited by him, but they have to manage him well.”Join Our NewsletterReceive a digest of our best Liverpool content each week direct to your mailbox