Rio Ngumoha starred for Liverpool in the Champions League against Villarreal earlier this week, joining an elite list after inspiring the comeback from Andoni Iraola's side

Rio Ngumoha produced his first two assists of the season as Liverpool came from behind to beat Villarreal in the Champions League in what was a breakout performance for the teenager.

Direct and purposeful with his dribbling, 18-year-old Ngumoha gave left-back Sergi Cardona a tough time, and even on the numerous occasions that he was surrounded by three Villarreal defenders, he tended to emerge unscathed.

"On record since 2003-04, Rio Ngumoha is just the fourth player to complete 7+ dribbles in multiple UEFA Champions League games as a teenager (2) along with Lamine Yamal (4), Cristiano Ronaldo (3) and Arjen Robben (2)," Opta posted on X.

Convoluted, yes, but it is not bad company to be keeping. Ngumoha has always had talent, but this was a strong sign that he is now capable of bringing all of those elements together.

"It was a top performance from the boys," Ngumoha told Amazon Prime. "We were two goals down but the mentality was always there; it came from within and we knew we were going to win. 4-3, delighted with the win.

"It’s up there with one of the best I’ve played, I think. I enjoyed myself out there. The team helped me as well a lot. I enjoyed today."

Asked about the belief he had to be able to carry the team forward, he replied: "Yeah, definitely. Whenever I get the ball and there’s an opportunity to go one-v-one or two-v-one sometimes, by all means I’ll do it.

"I believe in myself to do it. The more chances we get, the more it makes the opposition worry. I just keep going and be ruthless.

"(I probably preferred) the second assist, because the man came tight to me and the ball came, my first touch was direct and then I’m able to run at pace, and Macca, good finish."

"I’m happy with his attitude because he’s eager to improve the things that we think he needs to improve," Andoni Iraola said.

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"He’s eager to add more things to his game. He has changed the sides a lot and has played a lot on the right lately.

"He’s feeling so comfortable now and he’s adding even some shots with the left [foot] that he hasn’t scored but he’s getting there, and if he can add these small things to his game it will put him in an even better position.

"That’s the good thing with Rio, he’s still 18, he’s not the full package. He can add things, fortunately for us also, and I hope he continues the same way.

"It’s not going to be always like this, he will have ups and downs in the process, but I’m happy because attitude-wise I’m seeing him in a great place."