Rio Ngumoha: How Liverpool poached wonderkid from Chelsea

The same points keep cropping up when people who know Ngumoha talk about him: he has a great mentality, is a top dribbling talent, and that his brother James has been crucial to his development.

Ngumoha, who has represented England U15s, U16s and U17s, played at the Ole Futsal Academy in small-sided matches alongside his development in Chelsea’s academy.

Ole Futsal owner Alfie Brooks told BBC Sport: “Rio was outstanding and the same player now as when he was on television last night.

“His footwork and first touch were outstanding from an early age but what set him apart was his ability to execute those skills at speed. He can beat players with ease, he is very technical.

“If he stays in the same pathway, he can reach any level he wants.”

Saul Isaksson-Hurst was both Ngumoha’s coach at Under-9s level and worked with him in a private capacity later in his career.

“We managed to get him from the clutches of Arsenal,” he said. “He was a phenomenal talent at U9s.

“I don’t say it lightly, he is one of the best academy talents I have come across, and I have seen some top players become superstars.

“What makes him stand out is his one-v-one ability on the ball – he can break lines, drive at players, beat players on either side and end product.

“I told his brother I expect him to see him on the Ballon d’Or list one day, I believe he can do that.”

Isaksson-Hurst has one particular standout memory:

“I remember we went to a tournament in France and all the biggest academies were there like Juventus, Ajax and Anderlecht and we went out in the group stage,” he said.

“But Rio won player of the tournament and that never happens in youth football. It usually goes to the winner who wins the competition.

“He stood out that much that he was the outlier not just in England but across Europe. He is a top talent, good mentality and with the potential to go all the way.”