6 winners and losers as Rio Ngumoha decides Liverpool vs Wrexham from new role
Below is a summary of the full article. Click here for the full version from Liverpool.com or go back to LFC Live.
Rio Ngumoha bailed Liverpool out off the bench against Wrexham during Wednesday's preseason clash, as he played in a new role that will delight head coach Andoni IraolaRio Ngumoha scored a fortunate goal to hand Liverpool victory over Wrexham(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)Liverpool edged past Wrexham during a dull preseason encounter in New York City, as Rio Ngumoha scored the only goal off the bench to win it for the Premier League side.Andoni Iraola's men debuted their new away jersey, unveiled in Brooklyn on Tuesday night, but the performance didn't match the hype surrounding the new uniform. He will likely be loaned out again, but he gave Iraola something to think about.The Welsh forward had two chances against Wrexham, and his eagerness to drive the ball forward will please the Liverpool coach.
He also completed all of his passes in the final third, something that troubled Liverpool last season.Dominik SzoboszlaiDominik Szoboszlai was by far Liverpool's most senior figure against Wrexham, and Andoni Iraola gave him the captain's armband. Often playing on the left wing, he was introduced on the opposite flank by Iraola against Wrexham.Rio Ngumoha played on the right wing for Liverpool and scored(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)Liverpool has yet to replace Mohamed Salah and is lacking depth on the right wing.
The ball was seen bobbling throughout the opening stages, with the soccer field placed over a baseball surface.The Yankee Stadium pitch was underwhelming for Liverpool-Wrexham(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)In Liverpool's territory during the first half, the baseball mound was covered, and a clear incline affected the ball's movement. Liverpool's preseason roster was boosted this week as Alexander Isak, Florian Wirtz, and Ryan Gravenberch arrived in the U.S., but they were absent on Wednesday.Andoni Iraola named a youthful starting lineup to face Wrexham(Image: 2026 Liverpool FC)Although fans in the U.S. are well aware that the FIFA World Cup has just concluded, which means several players are on an extended break, the absence of the three major stars was a huge blow to supporters.Dominik Szoboszlai, Milos Kerkez, Harvey Elliott, and Giorgi Mamardashvili were the only senior players to start, with Kostas Tsimikas, Jeremie Frimpong, Curtis Jones, and Rio Ngumoha on the bench.