The academy star, introduced as a substitute in the 65th minute of the 3:00 p.m. BST kickoff, sparked the move with a nasty piece of skill, slaloming past three Preston defenders with a combination of slick body feints and rapid footwork before laying off a pinpoint pass to Bradley, who rifled a low shot into the bottom corner in the 82nd minute. Fans erupted, with social media ablaze over Ngumoha’s audacious assist and Bradley’s clinical finish, calling it a “glimpse of Liverpool’s future.”
Ngumoha, who joined from Chelsea’s academy in 2024, showcased his potential with a breathtaking sequence that began near the halfway line. His low center of gravity and quick changes of direction left Preston’s defenders grasping at air, drawing comparisons to Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal. The teenager’s composure to pick out Bradley, who had made a darting run into the box, underlined his vision, earning praise from manager Arne Slot post-match: “Rio’s dribble was special, and Conor finished it perfectly. That’s the bravery we want.” The goal, Liverpool’s second after Cody Gakpo’s first-half strike, capped a dominant display in a match overshadowed by an emotional tribute to Diogo Jota, marked by a pre-game hologram and minute’s silence.
Bradley’s finish was a moment of redemption for the 22-year-old Northern Irishman, who has faced scrutiny since stepping into the right-back role following Trent Alexander-Arnold’s move to Real Madrid. His powerful strike, assisted by Ngumoha’s brilliance, showcased his attacking instincts, honed under Slot’s 3-4-3 system. Fans on social media hailed the duo, with one user describing Ngumoha’s dribble as “pure filth” and Bradley’s goal as “a rocket.” The moment highlighted Liverpool’s blend of youth and experience, with new signings Florian Wirtz and Milos Kerkez also impressing in their debuts.
The match, broadcast free on ITV, served as a testing ground for Slot’s squad ahead of their Asia tour and the Community Shield against Crystal Palace on August 10. Ngumoha’s dribble, which covered 30 yards and beat three players, has fueled calls for his inclusion in first-team plans, especially with uncertainties around Darwin Nunez and Luis Diaz. While Bradley’s goal secured the headlines, it was Ngumoha’s audacious skill that set Deepdale alight, offering a tantalizing preview of Liverpool’s attacking depth as they gear up for a grueling 2025/26 season.
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