On an afternoon when Liverpool and its supporters commemorated Diogo Jota, it was perhaps fitting that the player he tipped such big things from would go on to give another exciting glimpse of his talent.

It was an emotional day at Deepdale as the Reds faced Preston in their first pre-season friendly of the summer - their first game since the untimely deaths of Jota and his brother Andre Silva.

Both were remembered with poignant tributes before, during and after the game as fans sung the No.20’s song throughout, with his place in the club’s history secure after the club confirmed his jersey number will be retired.



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Jota’s teammates would go on to pay the perfect tribute, with Conor Bradley, Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo on the scoresheet in a 3-1 victory, and the latter pair pulling out the Portuguese star’s iconic celebrations.

And the traveling support was left thrilled with the performance of youngster Rio Ngumoha, who once again showed just why he is so highly rated by those at Anfield, and why Arne Slot has been so eager to get him involved in the first-team picture.

No one perhaps summed up the excitement around Ngumoha better than Jota, who gave the teenager a glowing review after he became the youngest ever player to start for Liverpool against Accrington Stanley in the FA Cup back in January.

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Diogo Jota played alongside Rio Ngumoha in the FA Cup back in January

I hope he enjoyed it and he'll only get better.”

Those words felt especially fitting as Ngumoha looked every bit the star many expect him to be against Preston, proving to be a constant danger to Preston - much in the same way that Jota terrorized Premier League defenders.



Rio Ngumoha was impressive as Liverpool played Preston North End

Still just 16 and not yet eligible to sign a professional deal until he turns 17 next month, there is of course still a long way to go for Ngumoha, but the early signs are promising.

No doubt we will see more of the teenager this summer, with Ngumoha set for the opportunity to show just why there is so much excitement surrounding him.

And he will be able to carry Jota's ringing endorsement with him as he looks to take the next steps in his career, with the No.20 providing the perfect inspiration for a player who could become one of Liverpool's next big stars.