EPL: Sturridge excited by Ngumoha after Liverpool’s 2-2 draw

Liverpool opened their Premier League campaign with a 2-2 draw against Newcastle United, while former Reds striker Daniel Sturridge identified Rio Ngumoha as the club’s player he is most eager to watch this season.

The 17-year-old winger featured on the right side in the opening match, a position Mohamed Salah has occupied for almost 10 years. Sturridge believes Ngumoha has the ability to become an important player for Liverpool, particularly because of his quality in one-on-one situations.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Sturridge highlighted the teenager’s ability to take on defenders and move past them in either direction. He feels Ngumoha currently looks more comfortable on the left wing but could eventually develop into an effective option on the right.

Sturridge also identified the next stage of Ngumoha’s development. The former Liverpool forward wants the youngster to add more goals to his game, make better final decisions after reaching the byline and work closely with new attacking teammates Alexander Isak and Florian Wirtz.

Ngumoha made 19 Premier League appearances for Liverpool last season, accumulating 551 minutes. He finished that campaign with two goals and one assist, figures Sturridge believes can improve as the winger gains experience and becomes more involved in the team’s attacking moves.

Liverpool’s draw at Newcastle gave them one point from their first league fixture. The result came at the start of a new era under Andoni Iraola, who replaced Arne Slot after Slot’s dismissal at the end of the 2025-26 season. Ngumoha’s appearance on the right offered an early indication of the opportunities available to him as the campaign develops.