BBC pundit is right, Rio Ngumoha was 'exceptional' vs Brentford - the stats prove it

Rio Ngumoha enjoyed a sensational impact off the bench as Liverpool beat Brentford 2-1 in West London on Saturday.

The 18-year-old was key as the Reds came from behind to emerge victorious, with Victor Munoz and Alexander Isak finding the all-important goals.

The home side had been on top in the first half and had the lead through Keane Lewis-Potter, before a moment of madness from Yehor Yarmoliuk saw him sent off for headbutting Jeremy Jacquet.

Liverpool made full use of the extra man, with Ngumoha's introduction coming by way of Jeremie Frimpong's injury after the break.

The former Chelsea youngster made his way into the first team last season and has rapidly become more and more of a key player under Andoni Iraola.

His talents were on full show once more on Saturday, in what will go down as a crucial three points for Liverpool.

Glenn Murray hails Rio Ngumoha

Ngumoha almost made an instant impact after coming off the bench on Saturday, beating his man and setting up Virgil van Dijk to strike just wide.

But that was a sign of things to come from the teenager, who ran and ran at the Brentford defenders for every minute he was on the pitch.

It was his trickery that would see Vitaly Janelt sent off for a second yellow card in the dying minutes, with the German unable to resist taking him down.

Ngumoha would end the game with a 90 per cent pass completion having created a chance, taken a shot, and completed all three of his dribbles in just 38 minutes.

And that was not all - the winger made four recoveries, was fouled twice and won five duels.

Speaking to BBC 5 Live, former Premier League striker Glenn Murray waxed lyrical about the teenager.

"Yes things have gone against them, the personal error of the red card but from that point on, the question was could Liverpool break this Brentford side down? Yes they can," he said.

"The sprinkle of talent comes on and Ngumoha has been exceptional."

Ngumoha knocking on Andoni Iraola's door

As the £123million man, Bradley Barcola has instantly become the number one on the left of the attack for Liverpool.

But the Frenchman missed three huge chances for the Reds on Saturday and was arguably outperformed by both Munoz and Ngumoha.

The latter is in the final year of his contract and will expect evidence that his pathway is being prioritised before making any commitments.

Iraola will soon be under pressure to do exactly that, and displays like Saturday's should tell him what is the right thing to do.