Benitez: Ngumoha 'Ruthless' as Liverpool Beat Villarreal 4-3

Former Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez praised Rio Ngumoha as 'ruthless' and 'cunning' after the 18-year-old's Man of the Match performance in Liverpool's 4-3 Champions League victory over Villarreal at Anfield. Ngumoha won 8 duels and provided 2 assists as the Reds recovered from 2-0 down.

  • Competition: Champions League
  • Venue: Anfield
  • Result: Liverpool 4-3 Villarreal
  • Man of the Match: Rio Ngumoha (Liverpool)
  • Key stat: Ngumoha completed 7 dribbles and won 8 duels
  • Next fixture: Liverpool host Brighton & Hove Albion in the Premier League on Sunday

What was said

"I saw [Rio Ngumoha] before, and to be fair today he was much better [tonight]. The last game that I saw him he wasn’t passing players so easily, today he was ruthless, he was cunning, and he was passing players."

— Rafa Benitez, speaking on Amazon Prime (via BBC Sport)

"You talk about his position on the left side and the right side. I think on the right side he can pass players wide, and if you go wide you cannot cover, so he can make crosses, he can make passes. Maybe he’ll score less goals but I think he can make a difference."

— Rafa Benitez, on Ngumoha's best position

Benitez's assessment highlights Ngumoha's growing influence on the right flank, where he has been forced to adapt due to competition on the left. The former manager believes the teenager's ability to beat his man and deliver crosses makes him a potent weapon from the right, even if it reduces his goal threat.

The numbers

  • 7 dribbles completed by Ngumoha (as per Sofascore)
  • 8 duels won by Ngumoha
  • 3 recoveries made by Ngumoha
  • 2 assists provided by Ngumoha

Why Ngumoha is thriving on the right

Rio Ngumoha is predominantly a left-sided attacker, but with Cody Gakpo and Bradley Barcola competing for that role, he has had to adapt to the right wing. Gakpo started the campaign in flying colours with regular goal contributions before an untimely injury, while Barcola has dazzled since and scored a brilliant hat-trick against LASK in the Champions League. That logjam on the left has pushed Ngumoha to the right, and against Villarreal he delivered his best outing in the role.

The tactical logic is clear: from the right, Ngumoha can isolate the opposing left-back, go wide and deliver crosses or passes into the box. Benitez noted that when a winger goes wide, the defender cannot cover, creating space for crosses. Sergi Cardona could not cope with Ngumoha's movement, and the youngster's 7 dribbles and 2 assists are evidence of his effectiveness. While he may score fewer goals from the right, his ability to create for others—as shown by his assists for Alexis Mac Allister and Ronald Araujo—makes him a different but equally valuable attacking threat.

Ngumoha's performance was part of a stirring Liverpool comeback. The Reds made a dreadful start, going 2-0 down after 29 minutes, but goals from Mac Allister and Araujo levelled the score at the break. Mac Allister then made it 3-2 in the 65th minute before Florian Wirtz sealed the victory with the fourth. Villarreal bagged a late consolation to make it 4-3. Mac Allister was brilliant with a brace, but Ngumoha's all-round display earned him the Man of the Match award.

Talking points

  • Should Ngumoha start on the right ahead of Victor Munoz for Sunday's Premier League clash with Brighton? His Man of the Match display makes a strong case.
  • With Gakpo injured and Barcola in scintillating form, is Ngumoha's long-term future on the right rather than his preferred left side?
  • Liverpool conceded three goals at home—is their defensive vulnerability a concern despite the attacking fireworks?
  • Benitez's praise is notable given his history with Liverpool, but does Ngumoha's performance signal a breakout season?

What happens next

Liverpool host high-flying and free-scoring Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on Sunday in the Premier League. Goals are guaranteed in the contest, and Ngumoha should be backed to start on the right wing ahead of Victor Munoz, with Barcola likely to start on the opposite flank. A win would maintain Liverpool's momentum as they balance domestic and European ambitions.

Frequently asked questions

Did Rio Ngumoha win Man of the Match against Villarreal?

Yes, Ngumoha was handed the Man of the Match award for his performance in Liverpool's 4-3 win over Villarreal.

What did Rafa Benitez say about Rio Ngumoha?

Benitez said Ngumoha was 'ruthless' and 'cunning' and believes he can make a difference on the right wing.

Will Ngumoha start against Brighton on Sunday?

The article suggests Ngumoha should be backed to start on the right wing ahead of Victor Munoz after his Man of the Match display.

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