Rio Ngumoha has the best dribble success rate in the Premier League
Liverpool's 18-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha is statistically the most efficient dribbler in the Premier League since the start of last season, with a 66 per cent success rate that comfortably outshines Manchester City's Jeremy Doku (52 per cent) and the divisional average (42 per cent), according to Sky Sports' Radar column.
- Player: Rio Ngumoha (18), Liverpool winger
- Key stat: 66% dribble success rate since start of last season – highest of any player with 35+ attempts
- Comparison: Jeremy Doku (52%), average (42%)
- Champions League: 18 successful dribbles this season, six clear of Lamine Yamal
- Next match: Liverpool vs Brighton, Sunday, 2pm, Anfield
- Teammate to watch: Luka Vuskovic (Brighton) – club-record £50m signing from Spurs
Who is Rio Ngumoha?
Ngumoha joined Liverpool's first-team picture last season, marking his Premier League debut with a stoppage-time winner against Newcastle before making a further 28 appearances in all competitions under then-manager Arne Slot. This season, under new boss Andoni Iraola, his development has accelerated, and he has been deployed primarily on the right wing – a position that had been problematic for Liverpool following Mohamed Salah's exit, with Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo both better suited to the left.
His one-vs-one ability was on full display last weekend at the Gtech Community Stadium, where he was sent on early in the second half for the injured Jeremie Frimpong and inspired a vital win over Brentford. His final action was to draw the foul that led to Vitaly Janelt's red card. Three days later, he provided two assists in a 2-0 Champions League win over Villarreal, becoming the third-youngest player in Champions League history to record two assists in a single game, after Warren Zaire-Emery and Theo Walcott.
The numbers
- 4.47 – Ngumoha's successful dribbles per 90 minutes in the Premier League since the start of last season (ahead of Doku)
- 66% – his dribble success rate, compared to Doku's 52% and the average of 42% among the same group of 150 players
- 19/22 – dribbles completed in his last three appearances
- 18 – successful dribbles in this season's Champions League, six more than Lamine Yamal
- 9 – successful dribbles in the game against Villarreal
What was said
"I hope he signs a new contract because right now, we've got a lot of wingers in the team, but he could be the best winger Liverpool have got. Liverpool have got a problem position on the right wing. We've got a lot of left wingers. Rio might be better on the left, but he was outstanding on the right tonight."
"He struggled defensively in the first half. That's the good thing with Rio, he's still 18, he's not the full package and he can add things."
"Statement performance"
"God-given ability"
"future superstar"
Carragher's comments highlight the dilemma facing Liverpool: Ngumoha's natural position may be on the left, but his form on the right has been electric. The contract situation is also a talking point, with the pundit urging the club to tie him down. Iraola's assessment is more measured, acknowledging the teenager's defensive lapses while praising his attitude and potential for growth, particularly in his left-footed shooting.
Analysis: Why Ngumoha is already Liverpool's most dangerous wide man
Rio Ngumoha is not just a promising talent; his numbers already place him among the elite dribblers in Europe. The 66 per cent success rate is unprecedented for a player attempting such volume, and his ability to beat defenders in one-vs-one situations gives Liverpool a direct, penetrative outlet that was missing after Mohamed Salah's departure. With Bradley Barcola and Cody Gakpo preferring the left, Ngumoha's emergence on the right solves a tactical problem for Andoni Iraola.
However, the defensive side of his game remains a work in progress, as Iraola noted. The manager's willingness to criticise publicly suggests he believes Ngumoha can become a complete winger. The imminent return of Victor Munoz from injury may see Ngumoha return to the bench, but his recent form makes him undroppable. Against Brighton, he will likely start on the right, tasked with testing the Seagulls' defence, including club-record signing Luka Vuskovic.
Vuskovic, a £50m arrival from Spurs, has been a physical presence at the heart of Brighton's backline, helping them keep four consecutive clean sheets. But his real value has been at the other end, where his 13 shots are the most by any defender in the Premier League. The Croatian scored a back-post header from a corner against Leeds in September and forced the error that led to Jack Hinshelwood's goal against Crystal Palace last weekend. His set-piece threat will test Liverpool's defence, but the main attraction will be Ngumoha's duel with Brighton's full-backs.
Talking points
- Is Ngumoha already Liverpool's best winger, or is Carragher getting carried away after a handful of impressive cameos?
- Should Iraola stick with Ngumoha on the right even when Victor Munoz is fit, given his defensive deficiencies?
- At what point does the 18-year-old's dribble data become sustainable enough to plan a team around?
- Can Brighton's Luka Vuskovic, a defender with 13 shots this season, outscore Ngumoha's creative output?
Injury and availability
Ngumoha was introduced early in the second half against Brentford for the injured Jeremie Frimpong, whose fitness remains uncertain. Liverpool are already without Mohamed Salah, who has left the club, and Victor Munoz's injury may open the door for Ngumoha to make his first Premier League start of the season on the right. Brighton's Luka Vuskovic is fit and expected to start at centre-back. The Seagulls have no new injury concerns reported.
What happens next
Liverpool host Brighton at Anfield on Sunday at 2pm, live on Sky Sports. Ngumoha is expected to start on the right wing, and a strong performance could cement his place in the starting XI and accelerate contract talks. Brighton, buoyed by four consecutive clean sheets, will look to Vuskovic to contain him and threaten from set-pieces.
Frequently asked questions
Is Rio Ngumoha starting for Liverpool vs Brighton?
Ngumoha is expected to start on the right wing, with Victor Munoz injured, according to the source article.
How many dribbles has Rio Ngumoha completed in the Champions League this season?
He has completed 18 successful dribbles, six more than Barcelona's Lamine Yamal.
Who is Brighton's club-record signing mentioned in the article?
Luka Vuskovic, a £50m centre-back signed from Spurs in July.
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