Andoni Iraola brings Liverpool star Rio Ngumoha back down to earth after Villarreal impact

Rio Ngumoha enjoyed another impressive outing as the Liverpool teenager shone in a comeback win over Villarreal in the Champions League

Andoni Iraola has told Liverpool sensation Rio Ngumoha that "it’s not always going to be like this" after he starred in a Champions League comeback win over Villarreal.

The Reds had trailed 2-0 against the Spanish side, but eventually rallied to secure a 4-3 victory at Anfield with Ngumoha providing two assists and proving to be the spark that inspired the win.

The teenager has continued to flourish when given opportunities and Tuesday was the latest example of his obvious quality, but Iraola has been keen to keep his feet on the ground and remind him that he won't be lapping up plaudits on a weekly basis.

Ngumoha is competing in a well stocked area of the pitch, with Bradley Barcola, Victor Munoz and Cody Gakpo for competition, and that will impact on his game time. He's also had to showcase his versatility by playing on both flanks, but Iraola has hailed the attitude he's shown as he strives for more.

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"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," said the Liverpool boss, who secured a third win from three Champions League games.

"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."

Ngumoha has started ahead of £123million summer signing Barcola, who replaced him for the final 16 minutes of the contest at Anfield, where the crowd had been chanting the teenager's name.

"Like I always say, we have the best fans in the world. To hear my name being chanted is a dream," he said.

The Liverpool winger also underlined his confidence as he added: "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."