Rio Ngumoha has plenty of natural talent, but sometimes the biggest lessons in football come from listening to players who have already reached the very top.
And when it comes to learning how to become a world-class attacker, there aren’t many better people to listen to than Mohamed Salah.
In a fascinating interview with the Premier League, Liverpool’s young winger has revealed some of the advice Salah gave him before leaving Anfield.
One particular lesson really stood out – how to exploit tired defenders during the closing stages of matches.
Salah’s Secret to Scoring Late Goals
Ngumoha recalled how Salah recognised his ability but explained that reaching the highest level requires more than just talent.
He told him:
“There was one instance I remember, he was just saying, obviously he knows that I’m talented, but to reach the top, top level, in the last 20 minutes of the game you just have to stay alive, be ahead of everyone, be quicker than everyone and that’s where you get the most goals really, when all the defenders are tired.”
That’s a fascinating insight.
Salah has built a reputation for delivering when games are reaching their conclusion, finding space and exploiting defensive weaknesses when opponents are beginning to tire.
Ngumoha understands the importance of that advice, admitting:
“You see how many goals he scored, especially in the dying moments of games. I think that’s one big thing he taught me.”
It’s the sort of detail supporters might not immediately notice, but it can make the difference between a talented winger and a genuinely elite goalscorer.
‘Just Leave the Social Media Alone’
Salah also had some advice for Ngumoha away from the pitch.
His message was simple:
“Just leave the social media alone.”
It’s probably one of the most important things somebody could tell an 18-year-old footballer experiencing the attention that comes with playing for Liverpool.
Ngumoha has already enjoyed some incredible moments in his young career, including becoming Liverpool’s youngest-ever goalscorer with that unforgettable winner against Newcastle.
The praise has been enormous, but so has the pressure and expectation.
Salah understands that better than most. He knows how quickly public opinion can change, particularly on social media.
For a young player, concentrating on football rather than getting caught up in online praise or criticism is absolutely vital.
Liverpool Have a Special Talent on Their Hands
I’ve been saying for some time that Ngumoha deserves more opportunities.
His direct running, confidence and willingness to take defenders on give Liverpool something different in attack.
He doesn’t look frightened of making mistakes, and that’s one of the qualities I love about watching him play.
However, Salah’s advice is a reminder that there is much more to becoming a top-level footballer than simply having exciting ability.
Ngumoha has to keep developing his movement, decision-making, finishing and understanding of the game.
He also needs to learn when to conserve energy and when to make those decisive runs that can hurt opponents late in matches.
That’s where the experience of somebody like Salah can be invaluable.
My View: Learn From Salah and Make It Count
It must have been an incredible experience for Ngumoha to train alongside Salah and receive advice from somebody who has achieved so much at Liverpool.
Salah wasn’t simply telling him to work harder. He was explaining the small details that helped him become such a consistent goalscorer.
And that’s what makes this interview so interesting.
Ngumoha has the natural ability, but if he can combine that with the mentality, movement and ruthless finishing of a player like Salah, Liverpool could have an exceptional attacker on their hands.
I’m not suggesting he will become the next Salah, because he needs to create his own identity and career.
But he should take every lesson he can from one of the greatest players to wear the Liverpool shirt.
The talent is there. Now it’s about turning that potential into consistent performances, goals and assists.
And if Salah’s advice helps him get there, it could prove priceless for Liverpool.
By Jamie
(The Kopite View)
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