Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman has shown his support for Liverpool youngster Rio Ngumoha after the Reds star scored a stunning solo goal against Athletic Club in pre-season.
Arne Slot’s side stepped up their preparations for the new Premier League season with two pre-season matches against the Spanish club on Monday, winning both – 4-1 and 3-2 respectively.
A stronger side lined up in the second game, featuring the likes of Mohamed Salah, Florian Wirtz and Cody Gakpo.
In the first game, meanwhile, players such as Darwin Nunez and Harvey Elliott played, while 16-year-old Ngumoha started on the left side of attack.
He went onto score a fine goal in the game, giving his side the lead after just two minutes, having picked up the ball in midfield before driving forward and picking out the far corner from outside the box.
The attacker has received plenty of plaudits on the back of his efforts, and another fellow youngster has backed the player with a two-word message on social media.
Liverpool wonderkid Rio Ngumoha received a message of support from Max Dowman after his display on Monday
The 16-year-old score a fine solo goal just two minutes into Liverpool’s friendly against Athletic Club on Monday
Dowman – a wonderkid in his own right – shared a snap of Ngumoha celebrating with the caption: ‘Too cold’
Taking to Instagram and his 359,000 followers, Dowman shared a post to his story of Ngumoha celebrating his Monday afternoon effort at Anfield.
Accompanied by 2Pac’s ‘Do For Love’ being played over it, Dowman wrote: ‘The coldest.’
The two players know each other from the youth ranks at England and are two of the biggest names coming through at the top level of the Premier League right now.
Dowman has been involved in Arsenal first team pre-season training and is tipped for a big future at the club. Still only 15, he has played against AC Milan and Newcastle this summer and has been backed for future success.
Ngumoha, meanwhile, joined Liverpool from Chelsea last year, with former Blues captain John Terry saying he would go onto become ‘a top, top player’.
He made his professional debut for the Reds against Accrington in the FA Cup last season, becoming the youngest-ever player to start a first team game for the club, and has played regularly this pre-season.
The 16-year-old started against AC Milan and scored against Yokohama FM, and Liverpool are facing calls for him to enjoy more first team action this coming season.
Slot said of his performance after the game against Athletic Club: ‘Rio is showing good things every time in pre-season.’
Dowman himself has featured regularly for the Gunners in pre-season and is tipped for a bright future in the game
Fans have called for Ngumoha to enjoy regular game time now amid claims is is already ready for the first team
Reds boss Arne Slot said of his player: ‘Rio is showing good things every time in pre-season’
Liverpool fans were quick to heap praise on the teenager, meanwhile, with many suggesting he could make an impact for the first team this season.
‘Rio Ngumoha needs to be in the squad for the season. Used for the cup games,’ one wrote. ‘Looks like an exciting talent but hopefully he will be managed well.’
‘Rio deserves a place in the first team. He’s shown maturity beyond his years and proved he can deliver when given the chance,’ another said. ‘This kid is ready to take the league by storm.’
A third wrote: ‘Love to see this, his got a high ceiling… but need to manage him well for future.’
Another declared ‘I’ve seen enough of this kid. He’s ready.’
