Credit: Imago, The Rest Is Football Podcast on YouTube

Evan Lloyd

Mon 13 April 2026 18:00, UK

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Rio Ngumoha joined Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas as the youngest three players to start and score in a Premier League game when he netted in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over Fulham on Saturday.

The 17-year-old’s stunning strike gave the Reds the lead at Anfield, before Mohamed Salah added his team’s second.

The England youth international has burst onto the scene this season, scoring his first senior goal at the age of 16 when he netted the winner against Newcastle United in August.

Ngumoha has been a known talent for some time, after his move from Chelsea’s academy to Liverpool made waves at the youth level.

The Liverpool starlet signed his first professional contract in September, and is expected to have increasing involvement for the first team.

Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker wax lyrical over Rio Ngumoha

Former Everton chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider in February that Liverpool want Ngumoha to replace Salah.

The legendary Egyptian forward is to leave Anfield at the end of the season, marking the end of a hugely successful nine years on Merseyside.

The 33-year-old has struggled to replicate the impact he had last season during this campaign, but his presence remains a difficult prospect to replace.

Ngumoha, while extremely talented, will likely be bedded in first before taking on such a burden, with Liverpool likely to delve into the transfer market this summer.

There were certainly traces of Salah in the youngster’s goal on Saturday, however, with the winger wrapping his foot around the ball to steer it into the far corner.

“The big story to come out of Liverpool’s win was the goal of young Rio Ngumoha and his performance,” Alan Shearer told The Rest Is Football podcast on Monday.

“Whether he’ll start on Tuesday evening or not, he’s more than made a case to the manager to say: ‘I have to start’. I thought he brought on energy, a freshness and everything else and I thought he was absolutely outstanding.”

“Only two games he’s started and I thought he was the best player on the pitch in both of those games,” Gary Lineker added.

“Only Wayne Rooney and Cesc Fabregas have started a Premier League game and scored at a younger age than Rio Ngumoha, 17 years and 225 days.”

Liverpool must exercise caution with Ngumoha

Given his talent, it is easy to forget just how young Ngumoha really is. The youngster will not be 18 until August, and must be handled carefully.

Too many minutes too quickly could well have a negative effect on the youngster, both physically and mentally.

Manager Arne Slot, for as long as he is in charge, will be tasked with handling Ngumoha’s development correctly.

Liverpool will be well aware of the level of talent they have on their hands – it is crucial that his growth is handled correctly.