-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited
Diogo Jota has told Rio Ngumoha he will only continue to improve at Liverpool after making his debut in the FA Cup win over Accrington Stanley.
At just 16 years and 135 days old, Ngumoha became the youngest-ever player to start for Liverpool when he was selected for the 4-0 win in the third round of the competition and impressed from the left wing with several forays into the attacking third.
In fact, he attempted seven dribbles, more than anyone else on the pitch, and caused Accrington real problems during the first half. So concerned was the League Two side, Jota claimed the team doubled up to stop Ngumoha.
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“We know about his ability to go one-v-one. We tried to give that space to him,” the 28-year-old told Liverpool’s website. “I think their team knew as well and they double and tripled up sometimes, which was not easy. But he’s such a young lad and making his debut is obviously a special day for him. I hope he enjoyed it and he’ll only get better.”
Arne Slot said after the game he was pleased Ngumoha showed the same sort of skills against Accrington as he regularly demonstrates in training, while Watru Endo claimed the teenager’s dribbling was ‘amazing’.
“It’s a special day for him,” Jota added. “He’s been with us but competing is always a bit different, especially here with a full crowd. Obviously it’s a remarkable moment for him and one he’ll remember forever.”
Jota got the ball rolling in the FA Cup victory when he tapped in the opening goal after 29 minutes, to net his seventh goal of what has been an injury-plagued season. The Portugal star missed nearly two months with a muscular issue and has struggled to get fully back up to speed since returning to the team at the start of December.
Diogo Jota scored Liverpool’s first goal in the win over Accrington Stanley. -Credit:AFP or licensors
But after starting in the midweek loss against Tottenham Hotspur – his first since 20 October – Jota followed it up with 90 minutes on Saturday – just his third of the season so far.
“First 90 minutes in a very long time! It’s good to get this rhythm back and to build up for a very important second half of the season,” said Jota. “It means you are in the right place at the right time and it’s not always easy to do that. Obviously I’m always happy when I score,” he added on the goal.