In a game of seven goals, none were scored by Rio Ngumoha - but this was his night. The 18-year-old was simply a class apart from the rest in Liverpool's 4-3 win over Villarreal. It is over a year since Ngumoha burst on to the scene for Liverpool with a memorable stoppage-time winner at Newcastle.
He has been in and out since then, impressing in flashes and even going on to make his England debut earlier this season. But this performance was different, inspiring his team to a memorable comeback win in the Champions League. By the time the teenager was replaced in the 74th minute, with Bradley Barcola taking over, the chants of "Rio, Rio, Rio" had repeatedly rung around Anfield.
It was quite the sight to see Alisson embrace Ngumoha shortly after the young man was given Uefa's player of the match award. "It's up there with one of the best [games] I've played. I enjoyed myself out there and the team helped me a lot," Ngumoha told Amazon Prime.
"Whenever I get the ball and there's an opportunity to go one versus one, or two versus one, I believe in myself to do it. I'll just keep going and be ruthless." Liverpool were woeful for much of the first half as they trailed Villarreal by two goals, but Ngumoha took responsibility and began to turn the tide. After Alexis Mac Allister pulled one back, Ngumoha found space to dink in a delightful ball that was met by Ronald Araujo for an equaliser.
Ater the break, Ngumoha - as he had done all evening - waltzed past Sergi Cardona to set up Mac Allister to give Liverpool the lead. Florian Wirtz added what proved to be a vital fourth. Ngumoha inspires Liverpool comeback win - report and player ratings Liverpool 4-3 Villarreal: What Iraola and Ngumoha said Football Daily: Record breaking night as Liverpool, Man City & PSG win - 5 Live reaction The match statistics alone showed what a threat Ngumoha can be.
He had 12 touches in the opposition box, completed seven out of eight dribbles, and registered two crucial assists. But watching Ngumoha is more than just a numbers experience. There's a fearless nature to his play that can get the crowd going, and he was the one bright spark in a first half where Liverpool lacked any sort of rhythm.
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