RIO NGUMOHA has convinced fans that he was the reason Mohamed Salah left Liverpool.
The electric teenager was in top form as the to beat in the .
Ngumoha, 18, racked up some stunning stats during his 74 minutes on the Anfield pitch.
The winger set up two goals including ‘s goal in the 65th minute, to put ahead.
Ngumoha beat defender Sergi Cardona with a fantastic touch and then dribbled into the Villarreal box before cutting back to the Argentine.
It was not the first time he had set up Mac Allister, as he made a pinpoint cross from a corner in the first half for a headed goal.
Ngumoha’s assists at just 18 years and 52 days made him just the third-youngest to provide multiple assists in a Champions League game.
He has only been beaten by 17 years 231 days old Warren Zaïre-Emery against in 2023 and against Hamburg in 2006.
The former and star managed the feat when he was just 17 years and 250 days.
Ngumoha is the youngest player to either score or assist a goal for Liverpool in the competition.
Ngumoha’s impressive performance came from the same right flank that was left vacant by in the summer.
The Egyptian left Liverpool at the end of last season following nine successful years.
Salah, 34, has started to see a fall in his powers for the Reds but has been enjoying himself at new club Trabzonspor in Turkey.
But Liverpool fans are now convinced that the emergence of Ngumoha was the reason behind the club letting Salah leave.
One posted: “He could legit turn out a star. He’s progress has been solid.”
A second wrote: “He’s scary good. Improving so much every game. We’re so lucky.”
A third commented: “Fact of the day: is better than Mo Salah.”
A fourth said: “This boy is world class… England really got a generational player here.”
A fifth hailed: “Ngumoha – wow. We have our Salah replacement folks.”
Another added: “Ngumoha was the reason Liverpool sold Mohammed Salah.”
Manager Andoni Iraola was full of praise for Ngumoha during his post- match press conference.
He said: “If we can put Rio in situations one-v-one where he can get into the box, normally he makes plays, he produces things.
“The assist to Alexis, I think it is, is a lovely play. He can even go down for a penalty, but he decides to continue and takes a great decision.
“Also endurance-wise, he’s been able to play more and more minutes.
“We were pushing for him a little bit, he was tired, but I think he has done a good effort and I’m very happy for him.”
The former Bournemouth boss also insisted that he was pleased with the teenager’s attitude to improving.
He added: “I’m happy with his attitude because he’s eager to improve the things that we think he needs to improve.
“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.”
