Jamie Carragher has urged Liverpool to secure Rio Ngumoha's long-term future after the 18-year-old produced an outstanding performance in Tuesday's 4-3 Champions League victory over Villarreal.
The teenage winger registered two assists as Liverpool recovered from a two-goal deficit at Anfield, becoming the youngest player in the club's history to provide an assist in European competition.
Carragher calls for Liverpool to secure Ngumoha's future
Speaking on CBS Sports Golazo, Carragher praised Ngumoha's development and highlighted the importance of agreeing a new deal.
"He is a future superstar," the former Liverpool defender said.
"He hasn't yet signed a new contract at Liverpool, I don't think, so we need to get that sorted."
Carragher also suggested the teenager could provide a solution on the right wing, despite naturally favouring the opposite flank.
"He's the best winger Liverpool have got right now," Carragher added.
"Rio might be better on the left, but he was outstanding on the right tonight, so he's saving the manager a problem."
Ngumoha's first assist saw him set up Ronald Araújo's equaliser before he created Alexis Mac Allister's second goal to put Liverpool 3-2 ahead.
At 18 years and 52 days, he surpassed Michael Owen's previous club record for the youngest player to provide an assist in European competition. Owen was 18 years and 324 days old when he assisted against Valencia in November 1998.
Sturridge praises Ngumoha's natural ability
Former Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge was equally impressed by the teenager's performance.
"Rio Ngumoha was magnificent tonight," Sturridge told Amazon Prime Video. "Such a threat, and he dedicated himself to his tasks."
Sturridge described Ngumoha's technical quality as "God-given ability", while also praising his work on the training pitch and determination to become more decisive.
What Ngumoha has said about Liverpool contract talks
Ngumoha's current Liverpool contract runs until the summer of 2028, but he is now eligible to sign a longer-term agreement after turning 18.
Speaking after Liverpool's 2-1 victory over Brentford, the winger confirmed that his agent was handling discussions over a new deal.
"To be fair, that is all with my agent now," Ngumoha said.
"I think it is all going well. I am not too sure. I just let the football do the talking at the end of the day."
No contract extension has yet been announced.
Key Points
- Jamie Carragher has urged Liverpool to agree a new contract with Rio Ngumoha.
- The 18-year-old provided two assists in Liverpool's 4-3 Champions League victory over Villarreal.
- Ngumoha became Liverpool's youngest player to register an assist in European competition.
- Daniel Sturridge praised the teenager's natural ability and commitment.
- Ngumoha's current contract runs until 2028, with his agent handling talks over an extension.
What's Next?
Liverpool have yet to announce a new agreement with Ngumoha, whose existing contract expires in 2028.
The winger has indicated that discussions are progressing positively, although he has left negotiations to his representative.
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