The meagervictory of England over New Zealand (1-0) in the penultimate friendly before the World left great news: Rio Ngumoha (Havering, 2008).
It’s curious. He ‘test bench‘ that Thomas Tuchel improvised -for the first time since 2004 England used 22 players different in the same match- ‘crowned’ a footballer who, except injury, will not compete in the World Cup.
The Liverpool winger, who replaced Ollie Watkins in the 46th minute, he became, at 17 years and 281 daysin it fifth youngest debutant in the history of ‘three lions’. They only surpass him Theo Walcott (17 years and 75 days), Wayne Rooney (17 years and 111 days), Jude Bellingham (17 years and 136 days) and James Prinsep (17 years and 252 days).
Not only that. He debutant number 1,300 with England It shone with its own light. He was the player who completed the most dribbles (3) and won the most duels (6). It is not surprising, therefore, that he took the ‘MVP’. “Should Rio Ngumoha have been in the World Cup squad?”he even wondered ‘BBC’.
Ngumoha’s impudencewho played to the right, gave him another ‘air‘ to the ‘three lions’: he did not stop facing. A premiere that surprised even Jude Bellinghamin charge of giving the ‘Pool’ attacker the ‘cap‘with which it is presented to every debutante.
“Congratulations on your incredible debut. We all enjoyed watching him and obviously you are going to have a bright future at your club and hopefully with us too.. It is a pleasure to give it to you because I know there will be many more to come. Congratulations,” said the Madrid player.
“Thank you all. I am happy, without words. I just want to say thank you. “We continue,” he responded. Ngumoha, much more daring on the pitch than off.
Premieres are their thing. In August, on his Premier debut with Liverpoolagainst Newcastle (2-3) ended up scoring the winning goal in it minute 100.
The competition with Gakpo, Salah, Wirtz… it harmed him. Still, he noted two goals and one assist In the 952 minutes he had under the orders of Arne Slot. Andoni Iraola He has reasons to ‘rub his hands’: the future belongs to him.
