Mohamed Salah can give Rio Ngumoha dream parting gift when he leaves Liverpool

Mohamed Salah could give Rio Ngumoha a boost as he prepares to leave Liverpool

Rio Ngumoha has been a rare bright spark for Liverpool during a challenging campaign. The teenage winger has already etched his name into the record books at Anfield and Mohamed Salah could leave him a parting gift ahead of next season.

The youngster grabbed the headlines with a dramatic last-minute winner against Newcastle United in August, just days before turning 17. In scoring at St James' Park, Ngumoha became the youngest player ever to score for Liverpool.

Initially, Slot was careful not to rush the winger into the fold, introducing him gradually to first-team duties. Yet Ngumoha has steadily grown in prominence, earning his second league start of the season against Fulham last weekend.

Given a precious opportunity to shine from the off, Ngumoha grasped it with both hands. The forward collected the ball on the left flank, took on full-back Timothy Castagne near the edge of the penalty area, and created just enough room to curl a sublime effort into the far corner.

FOLLOW OUR LIVERPOOL FB PAGE! Latest Reds news and more on our dedicated Facebook page

Ngumoha also played a part in the move that saw Mohamed Salah double Liverpool's advantage before the break, helping to seal all three points for the Reds. The pair both getting on the scoresheet symbolised the passing of the torch, with the youngster beginning to flourish at Anfield just as Salah's illustrious chapter nears its end.

READ MORE : Dominik Szoboszlai agrees with Arne Slot on how Liverpool must replace Mo SalahREAD MORE : 'It was my biggest regret not joining Liverpool – the manager went back on his word'

In March, Salah confirmed he would be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. While the Egyptian superstar will be impossible to replace, his exit will give the Reds the chance to hand Ngumoha his perfect shirt number.

Speaking to Sky Sports about his dream number, Ngumoha said: "Seventy-three holds a special place in my heart, obviously the first number I received.

"It was just random. But my dream number would be 11. Watching Neymar play for Barcelona and Mo obviously has broken all the records with No.11."

The youngster has shown himself to be an exceptional talent, having made his senior debut at the beginning of last year. Despite his tender age, Ngumoha has learned from seasoned pros within the squad, including Salah.

"One time after training [Salah] told me the top, top players, along with your ability, they also get goals and assists," he recalled. "Obviously he has broken many records, so him saying that to me and saying he knows I'm a good player but to get to the next level just add the goals and assists."

Reflecting on the experience of training alongside the Liverpool icon, Ngumoha added: "Seeing Mo, he has achieved basically everything in football. He's very friendly as well. Sometimes people forget that they're just people as well. Obviously, they have all the fame but they are just nice people and you learn a lot from them."

Should the teenage prodigy take on Salah's shirt number next campaign, he's unlikely to be fazed by the expectations. He may still be chasing a regular place in Slot's team but Ngumoha isn't putting any ceiling on the heights he could reach during his career.

When asked about his ambitions, the Reds star said: "I'm very confident in myself. Hopefully a Ballon d'Or! I'd also like many club trophies with Liverpool – many Premier Leagues, Champions Leagues. Obviously everyone wants to win that. But just being regarded as one of the best players that's ever played football."

Click here to read article