Wesley Fofana among Chelsea players to react after Liverpool star sends emotional message to Rio Ngumoha
Wesley Fofana is one of a host of Chelsea players who have responded to a Liverpool star’s poignant message to Rio Ngumoha.
After impressing in pre-season the 16-year-old had been tipped for a breakout season for Liverpool this year, but many were not expecting it come so soon.
In a match where Anthony Gordon received a red card for a foul on Virgil van Dijk, Newcastle were up against the wall yet showed courage to come back to 2-2 after falling behind.
Off the bench, Ngumoha scored Liverpool’s winner against Newcastle in the dying embers of a thrilling match, which has seen players from the Premier League applaud his incredible achievement.
Wesley Fofana, Axel Disasi and Malo Gusto all react to Rio Ngumoha’s talent
Taking to Instagram (26 August), Reds defender Ibrahima Konate posted after the Premier League champions claimed a crucial three-pointer at St James’ Park.
The Frenchman’s post, captioned: “We play football to feel these kinds of emotions and we keep fighting until the very end.”
He then shouted out the match-winner Ngumoha by saying: “Congrats on your first goal Rio Ngumoha.”
International teammates Fofana, Axel Disasi, Malo Gusto and Mamadou Sarr of Ngumoha’s former side Chelsea all liked the post, appreciating Konate’s support for the teenage wonderkid.
Rio Ngumoha on course to be a wonderful player
Football Insider verdict
After grabbing two goals and two assists in pre-season, many thought the young Englishman would be eased into the Reds team as Cody Gakpo’s understudy.
However, it is clear to see that Arne Slot has a lot of faith in the teenager and will utilise him across the season to varying degrees as the club looks to develop him.
The England Under-17 international possesses raw pace and gifted dribbling which makes him an absolute nightmare to defend against.
| Rio Ngumoha v Newcastle (25 August) | |
| Minutes played | 8 |
| Shots (on target) | 1 |
| Goals | 1 |
Yet, the number 73 will be aware that his match-winner does not mean he is the full package and will need to continue to work on his game.
But, with Luis Diaz out the way, I look forward to watching Ngumoha rack up more minutes for Liverpool, especially as he looks set to be one of the next batch of talented individuals who will represent the senior England team in the future.
My advice to the lad is to keep his head down, enjoy the moment and keep showing his worth on the training pitch to translate to the big games – this could be his breakout season at Anfield.