Daniel Sturridge Names Liverpool Star Rio Ngumoha He’s Excited to Watch

Daniel Sturridge has revealed that Rio Ngumoha is the Liverpool player he is most excited to watch this season, with the teenage winger preparing for a potentially important role under new manager Andoni Iraola.

Liverpool are entering a new era after Iraola replaced Arne Slot at the end of the 2025-26 campaign. With the club looking to establish a fresh identity, several young players could receive greater opportunities.

Ngumoha is among the most intriguing prospects. The 17-year-old has impressed with his ability in one-on-one situations and is now being given a chance to make a bigger impact at senior level.

Daniel Sturridge Praises Rio Ngumoha

Speaking to Sky Sports, Sturridge highlighted Ngumoha’s dribbling ability and his confidence when taking on defenders.

The former Liverpool forward believes the youngster has the technical qualities to become an important player but also identified areas where he can improve.

“I’m very excited for this player because he’s got so much ability in 1v1 situations, he can go both ways.”

Sturridge believes Ngumoha looks more natural on the left wing but has the potential to develop into an effective right-sided attacker as his career progresses.

He also emphasized the importance of adding more goals and improving his final delivery from wide areas.

Ngumoha Has a Big Opportunity at Liverpool

Ngumoha is starting on the right flank for Liverpool, a position famously occupied by Mohamed Salah for many years.

The teenager is still gaining experience at Premier League level, having made only his sixth league start. Most of his appearances under Slot previously came from the substitutes’ bench.

His promotion into a starting role represents a significant opportunity to demonstrate that he can handle the demands of regular first-team football.

Rio Ngumoha’s Premier League Numbers

Ngumoha made 19 Premier League appearances last season, accumulating 551 minutes. He scored twice and provided one assist, while also finding the net once during pre-season.

Those numbers are modest, but his limited playing time means there is plenty of scope for improvement as he receives more responsibility.

Sturridge Wants Ngumoha to Build Chemistry With Liverpool’s Attackers

Sturridge also stressed the importance of communication between Ngumoha and Liverpool’s other attacking players.

The former striker suggested that the youngster should develop a strong understanding with players such as Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz, helping them understand his movements and attacking preferences.

Building those relationships could be particularly important as Liverpool introduce new attacking combinations under Iraola.

Victor Munoz Starts Liverpool’s Opener on the Bench

Another new Liverpool attacking option, Victor Munoz, has been named among the substitutes for the Reds’ opening Premier League match against Newcastle United.

The Spain international joined Liverpool for a reported €40 million after an impressive 2025-26 campaign with Osasuna.

Munoz made three pre-season appearances after returning early from his post-FIFA World Cup vacation in order to prepare for the new season.

Despite his arrival, Iraola has selected Cody Gakpo and Ngumoha on the wings for the opening fixture.

Ngumoha Could Play a Major Role This Season

The decision to start Ngumoha highlights the trust being placed in the young winger at the beginning of the new Liverpool era.

His ability to beat defenders gives Liverpool another attacking option, while regular first-team football could help him develop his finishing, crossing and decision-making.

At just 17, Ngumoha still has considerable time to develop, but Sturridge’s comments underline the excitement surrounding his potential.

Conclusion

Daniel Sturridge has identified Rio Ngumoha as the Liverpool player he is most excited to watch this season. The former Reds striker believes the teenager possesses outstanding one-on-one ability and can develop into a dangerous winger.

Ngumoha’s starting role against Newcastle United provides him with an important opportunity to prove himself under Andoni Iraola. If he can add more goals, assists and consistent end product to his game, he could become one of Liverpool’s most exciting young players during the 2026-27 campaign.